Project cost control needs a consistent view of completed work, recorded expenditure and the cost still expected. This free PDF brings together 30 project cost control metrics in illustrated reference cards. It covers earned value and forecasting, then extends into commitments, accruals, invoices, reserves and the quality of the reporting process.
What you will find in this ebook
Understand the earned value foundations
Planned value, earned value and actual cost establish the opening framework. Cost variance, cost performance index, cost variance percentage and budget at completion build on it. These measures answer different questions, so the underlying scope, progress method and reporting date need to be aligned before the figures are compared.
Read forecasts alongside their assumptions
Estimate at completion, CPI-based forecasts, combined performance forecasts, estimate to complete and variance at completion address the expected cost outcome. TCPI to budget and TCPI to forecast look at the performance required on remaining work. Forecast accuracy and estimate range width encourage a more explicit discussion of uncertainty and changing assumptions.
Include the costs that are easy to miss
The guide includes committed cost coverage, accrual completeness, invoice processing, contingency drawdown, management reserve and change cost exposure. Unit cost, rework, coding accuracy and reporting timeliness add operational checks. These topics help explain why a ledger total alone may not capture the current project cost picture.
A practical way to use the ideas
Before a cost review, reconcile reported actuals with work already received but not yet invoiced. Review outstanding commitments and approved changes separately from remaining estimates. Then explain the forecast using a consistent reporting date and documented assumptions, so the team can see both the current position and the work still to fund.
Who this book is for
Project managers, cost controllers, PMO analysts and learners building familiarity with project cost reporting.
All 30 reference cards
View the complete contents
- Planned Value
- Earned Value
- Actual Cost
- Cost Variance
- Cost Performance Index
- Cost Variance Percentage
- Budget at Completion
- Estimate at Completion
- CPI-Based Cost Forecast
- Combined Performance Forecast
- Estimate to Complete
- Variance at Completion
- TCPI to Budget
- TCPI to Forecast
- Period Cost Burn Rate
- Actual Cost to BAC
- Earned Progress Percentage
- Committed Cost Coverage
- Cost Accrual Completeness
- Invoice Processing Time
- Invoice Exception Rate
- Forecast Accuracy
- Estimate Range Width
- Contingency Drawdown
- Management Reserve Balance
- Change Cost Exposure
- Unit Cost
- Rework Cost Rate
- Cost Coding Accuracy
- Cost Report Timeliness
Continue exploring project management
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- 30 Project Planning Techniques
- 30 Project Management Mistakes and Solutions
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Frequently asked questions
Is this an automated earned value calculator?
No. It is a visual reference PDF with metric explanations and examples. Calculations and project records remain in your own spreadsheet or cost-management system.
Is this ebook free to download?
Yes. Download the English PDF directly from WikiFree without creating an account. You can open it in a PDF reader and keep a copy for offline reference.
How should I interpret the examples?
The examples illustrate ways to apply the ideas. Adapt the inputs, definitions and review points to your project. They are not guaranteed outcomes or universal performance benchmarks.