This doc explains features in ClickUp 2.0. Looking for a 1.0 doc? Check out this link!

Why use the Critical Path?

  • Determine the chain of tasks crucial to a project’s completion.
  • Quickly see which tasks can be rescheduled without affecting larger deadlines.

How to Calculate the Critical Path

  1. Navigate to the Space, Folder, and List
  2. Create a Gantt View
  3. Open the view settings in the upper right
  4. Click Calculate critical path 

How the Critical Path is Determined

The critical path checks all tasks on the chart and determines the set that would affect the overall project deadline if adjusted. 

It then looks back from the last task to see which dependent task is blocking the deadline from being completed. 

If the last task in the critical path is dependent another task, and there is no time gap in between them, each of the tasks will be added to the path (shown in red). 


Why is only the last task in my group (Space, Folder, or List) highlighted? 

  • This is likely because there is a gap in time between this task and the rest of the tasks in your group.
  • The other reason this may occur is no dependency chain has been attached to that last task in the group.
  • Note: Because the last task in the group is responsible for the entire group's completion date, it will always be highlighted.

Why is the Critical path shorter than expected?

  • If Use Weekends is disabled then hidden weekends might break a critical path. 
  • The chain of tasks in the critical path may include time gaps or be missing dependency links. 
  • Note: Add tasks with no time gaps in between the start and end dates to the sequence that leads to the end of the entire group to be included in the critical path.

Why is the critical path used? 

  • Prioritize which tasks must be completed within their estimated window to avoid delays in your project.
  • Visually identify where a hiccup would prevent your team from reaching its goals.

Note: Business Plans have full access to critical paths. Other plans are limited to 100 calculations. 


Let us know what else you'd like to see by posting a comment here!

Did this answer your question?