Estimate to Complete (ETC)
DE: Restschaetzung (ETC)
The expected cost to finish all remaining project work.
Detailed Explanation
ETC is the expected cost needed to finish all remaining project work. It represents the forecast of costs still to be incurred. The simplest formula is ETC = EAC - AC (the difference between what the project will cost total and what has been spent so far).
When current performance trends are expected to continue, ETC = (BAC - EV) / CPI. When a fresh bottom-up estimate is more appropriate (e.g., after a major scope change), the team re-estimates all remaining work packages individually.
ETC is most useful when managers need to understand how much more funding is required to complete the project. It directly informs budget requests and cash flow planning for the remainder of the project.
Key Points
- Expected cost for remaining work
- ETC = EAC - AC (standard formula)
- ETC = (BAC - EV) / CPI (trend-based)
- Bottom-up ETC for fresh re-estimation
- Informs remaining budget needs and cash flow
- Updated regularly alongside EAC
Practical Example
A project: BAC = EUR 600K, AC = EUR 350K, EV = EUR 300K at midpoint. CPI = 0.86. Trend-based ETC = (600K - 300K) / 0.86 = EUR 349K. The PM also does bottom-up for the 5 remaining work packages: EUR 360K. The sponsor is informed an additional EUR 110K beyond the original remaining budget of EUR 250K may be needed.
Tips for Learning and Applying
Use trend-based ETC for regular reporting
Perform bottom-up ETC when major changes occur
Compare ETC to remaining budget to highlight funding gaps early
Update ETC whenever EAC changes
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