![\"Project](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/Project-milestones-cover-1024x512.png\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n- \n
- Project milestones are checkpoints used to measure progress toward project goals and deliverables.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Project phases are usually completed by accomplishing a milestone, but each phase can have multiple milestones.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Project managers can use milestones to break down phases into more manageable segments.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The best way to visualize project milestones is to use Gantt charts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Milestones are used in status reporting to provide stakeholders with more precise information on a project\u2019s progress.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
What are project milestones?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Project milestones are checkpoints or markers in the project timeline that measure the progress made toward the project\u2019s end goals and deliverables.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Project managers use milestones to break down the project into more manageable segments. This makes it easier to track important project KPIs<\/a> and allows for better reporting and communication with the project stakeholders.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Project](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Project-milestones-view-1024x939.png\")
Project milestones shown in the form of a Gantt chart<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Milestones can be confused with other terms in project management. Here\u2019s a quick overview of the most important differences between milestones and tasks, goals, and deliverables.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Milestones vs tasks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Tasks are single units of work with a start and end date assigned to one or more team members. To compare, milestones don\u2019t have start or end dates as they\u2019re points in time when managers assess whether the team has accomplished everything they planned to do with their tasks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a social media project may have a monthly milestone, e.g., an exact number of posts that must be published each month. In that case, each post can be a separate task that\u2019s assigned to multiple team members and worked on for a set period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Milestones vs goals<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Goals are the project\u2019s expected long-term outcomes \u2014 the final destination, so to speak \u2014 while milestones are project checkpoints that show whether minor goals have been achieved so far.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a project\u2019s main goal might be a new product launch<\/a>. However, the milestones in that project would be different for the marketing team (e.g., creating a campaign and informing loyal customers) and the development team (e.g., delivering the new product and performing the necessary tests). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Either way, the purpose of these milestones is to check whether minor goals within those more extensive goals, such as pruning the newsletter list or designing new buttons, have been completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Milestones vs deliverables<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Deliverables are outputs requested by stakeholders that the project team delivers throughout the project\u2019s duration or at its end. Milestones, however, may define some deliverables<\/a> as a necessary prerequisite for reaching a checkpoint successfully before moving on to the next phase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, in an e-commerce company, a specific milestone would be offering the product on the platform by a certain date. The deliverables in this case would include retouched images in the required format, the product description, and similar elements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\nAll-in-one task management tool<\/h2>\n
Nothing better than having all your work in one place. Try Plaky today!<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n ![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/plaky\/banners\/default.png\")
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nExamples of milestones in project management<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
We can illustrate what milestones look like through 4 project phases<\/a>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Initiation,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Planning,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Execution, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Closure. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Project initiation milestones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The project initiation phase involves defining the project\u2019s concept and making initial agreements with stakeholders<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some of the examples of milestones in this phase include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Determining the project\u2019s goals and objectives,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Assembling the team and assigning project roles<\/a>,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Setting a budget limit, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Defining the project\u2019s time frame.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hiring and retaining the right people is rarely as simple as it might seem. Learn more about HR project management and recruitment processes in these articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- HR Project Management: The Complete Guide<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Recruitment Process in 7 Steps (+ Free Recruitment Template)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- What Is Employee Experience (EX) and Why Is It Important?<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Project planning milestones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Once the project is loosely defined, it\u2019s time to start planning out the details. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The milestones in the planning phase include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Defining the project scope,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Creating a project timeline<\/a> and agreeing on the result of each phase,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Listing the cost of each activity and needed materials, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Writing a work breakdown structure<\/a> and getting it approved by the stakeholders.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Would you like to learn more about how project managers handle project finances? Take a look at the following articles:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- What Is Cost Variance (CV)? Formula + Examples<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Estimate at Completion (EAC): Definition, Formula, and Examples<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Cost Performance Index (CPI): What It Is and How to Calculate It<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Project execution milestones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The execution phase is the core of the project \u2014 when all the work gets done. So, the milestones during the execution phase are more specific and differ greatly from industry to industry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Event planning \u2014 Get an RSVP from all the invited parties.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Software development \u2014 Make the necessary changes to the rich text editor according to specifications.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Construction \u2014 Secure heating in all parts of the house. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Website design \u2014 Deliver the design mockup of all the requested pages.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Fulfilling some milestones in this phase can be a condition for moving on to the following phase of the project\u2019s development, as many activities are connected and dependent on each other.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Project closure milestones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s not unusual for a project to have more than one deliverable. In such cases, successfully completing one or several deliverables is a good example of a significant project milestone and a sign that the project as a whole is on track and proceeding as planned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, a construction firm working on a housing complex consisting of 4 buildings can treat the completion of each individual building as a deliverable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Similarly, in the software industry, if a company is hired to develop several rather different apps, completing each app would be an important milestone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\nFree project management software<\/h2>\n
Set project milestones and gain control over your team's progress. Try Plaky today!<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nHow to set project milestones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Setting milestones is a necessary step in every project as getting them right can make a difference between project success and failure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To properly set milestones for your project, you should:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Determine goals, deliverables, phases, and tasks,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Define each milestone clearly,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Get milestones approved by stakeholders,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Maintain communication with the project team, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Keep track of progress and remain flexible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
\ud83d\udcd6 Read about these and many more concepts in the Project Management Glossary of Terms<\/a>, where you can find explanations for a wide range of project management terms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#1 Determine project goals, deliverables, phases, and tasks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Make sure you collect all the requirements from the stakeholders during the initiation and planning phases. Once you have a clear understanding of the goals you need to achieve, you\u2019ll be able to group similar project activities<\/a> together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This will enable you to define an outcome for each group of tasks and measure the project\u2019s progress more easily.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We asked Jan Schiller<\/a>, Partner and Chief Project Officer at Berkshire Consulting LLC, about creating milestones, and she emphasized several important factors to keep in mind:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Jan](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/Jan-Schiller.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cI determine what milestones to set based on the nature of the project outcome, the organization\u2019s <\/em>project governance<\/em><\/a> checkpoints, stakeholder perspectives, and the key deliverables that must be achieved on schedule in order for the outcome to be accepted. Milestones make project schedule performance easier to accurately and predictably assess.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
#2 Define each milestone clearly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
A well-defined milestone should include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- The tasks that comprise it,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The list of criteria that need to be met for its completion, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The milestone\u2019s description, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The final deadline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re wondering whether you\u2019ve set a fitting milestone for your project, ask yourself: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Is this event important?<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Does it represent tangible progress toward the project goals?<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Does it mark progress toward the completion of a phase or deliverable?<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
When deciding what milestones to track, it\u2019s important to consider the project methodology you plan to use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Milestones are especially important in projects that follow the traditional Waterfall project management<\/a> approach, where the project can be divided into 5 distinct phases:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Requirements,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Design,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Implementation,<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Verification, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Maintenance.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
For Agile<\/a> projects that don\u2019t proceed in linear phases and value flexibility over fixed schedules, milestones might not be strictly defined from the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you would like to learn more about different project management methodologies, take a look at the article below:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 20 Project Management Methodologies: An Overview<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
#3 Get milestones approved by stakeholders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When every milestone is clearly defined, it\u2019s important to get the stakeholders\u2019 approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
No project manager wants to find out stakeholders had been expecting another result halfway through project development. That\u2019s why the project planning phase gets so much attention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This way, the stakeholders will know what to expect and look forward to \u2014 and you will know exactly what you need to deliver.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can track and share project milestones by creating your own Gantt chart in Google Sheets or Excel. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Gantt Chart in Google Sheets: How to Create It + Free Templates<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- How to Make a Gantt Chart in Excel (+ Free Template)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
#4 Maintain communication with the project team<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Communication with the project team and stakeholders must be constant and transparent throughout the project\u2019s development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In fact, Jan Schiller considers communication the most important part of the process:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cThe most important step when setting milestones is to ensure they are regularly and consistently included in project communication regarding schedule progress. I show my project timeline as a diagram that is first produced when the project plan is baselined and is updated to show actual complete dates (compared to planned target dates) for each project milestone at regularly scheduled project updates.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n\nTeam collaboration software<\/h2>\n
Keep the entire team in the loop by communicating in real time while the project develops.<\/p>\n\n
\n Sign up<\/a>\n\n Learn more<\/a>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n \n \n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\nWe also talked to Noel Cabral<\/a>, the Director at Main Sail, LLC, who pointed out why communication is so important when it comes to project milestones:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n![\"Noel](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Noel-Cabral.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cAccountability is a prominent factor in project management. Without it, project milestones lose their value. Thus, one should focus on accountability while creating project milestones. Foremost, taking input from the whole project team is a must. After all, one of the objectives of creating project milestones is to motivate them to do their best.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s also essential to keep everyone in the loop so that all team members have a good idea of the goal they\u2019re working toward. This way, they can accurately make status reports<\/a> on their progress and keep the project as a whole on track.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
#5 Keep track of progress and remain flexible<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Finally, remember that both external and internal factors can influence the course of the project, so all parties need to know if the original plans have been changed in any way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Projects also tend to have dependent activities, so each team or individual should stay in the loop at all times. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s what Jan Schiller had to say about keeping a close eye on your project throughout its development:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n\n\u201cProject managers should avoid not updating the project plan based on actual progress (don\u2019t put that project plan on a shelf; don\u2019t let it collect dust). Project managers manage; they do not track. Be prepared to proactively provide insights to stakeholders when milestone target dates are missed.\u201d<\/em><\/em><\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
With this in mind, if you wish to avoid significant setbacks, it\u2019s important to continuously monitor progress and be ready to adapt to unpredictable situations as they arise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If milestones are repeatedly late or cost more than anticipated, it could just mean they were not set adequately. However, it could also indicate an underlying issue with the current plan and schedule that needs to be addressed, such as overambitious deadlines or scope creep<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
For additional insight into how to plan projects more efficiently, take a look at the following article:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- Project Roadmap: What Is It & How to Create It (+ Template)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Project milestone template<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019d like to track milestones more accurately, here\u2019s a customizable template you can try out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Project milestones template \u2014 tracker with a timeline<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
In this template, you can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- List all your milestones and their tasks, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Set start and end dates, <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Track actual completion dates, and<\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Track their status from several dropdown options.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You can select the fields listing the milestones and their start and end dates. Click \u201cInsert\u201d and choose the \u201cTimeline\u201d option. The sheet will then automatically create a new page with an easy-to-review timeline of all your milestones.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Plaky\u2019s](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Plakys-project-milestone-tracking-template.png\")
Plaky\u2019s project milestone tracking template<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n \n\ud83d\udca1 Plaky Pro Tip<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are some additional project timeline templates you might find useful:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- \n
- 11 Project Timeline Templates (Customizable & Free)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
Gain control over your projects with Plaky<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Having an overview of your project\u2019s tasks and milestones is a lot easier with a project management tool like Plaky<\/a>. Not only can managers gain control, but the whole team can stay informed on the project\u2019s progress!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Try Plaky for free<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n
For example, in Plaky, you can slice up your project board<\/a> into groups and name them as milestones. Each group can contain items<\/a> that need to be completed to achieve your milestone.<\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Organize-your-activities-in-Plaky-and-assign-them-to-the-responsible-teams.png\")
Organize your activities in Plaky and assign them to the responsible teams<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n As the project unfolds, you\u2019ll also need to keep in touch with the team. That\u2019s where comments<\/a> enter the scene, making it easier to communicate with everyone and stay in the loop. And you can even keep all information in one place by sharing files<\/a> and never losing anything in your inbox again! <\/p>\n\n\n
\n![\"Sharing](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/Keep-files-safe-within-Plaky-items-and-get-the-conversation-going-in-the-comments-section.png\")
Keep files safe within Plaky items and get the conversation going in the comments section<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n
- 11 Project Timeline Templates (Customizable & Free)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- How to Make a Gantt Chart in Excel (+ Free Template)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Gantt Chart in Google Sheets: How to Create It + Free Templates<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- 20 Project Management Methodologies: An Overview<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Does it represent tangible progress toward the project goals?<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Is this event important?<\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Estimate at Completion (EAC): Definition, Formula, and Examples<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The Recruitment Process in 7 Steps (+ Free Recruitment Template)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
![\"Illustration\"](\"https:\/\/plaky.com\/learn\/wp-content\/themes\/cake-learn\/src\/images\/plaky\/banners\/default@2x.png)
\n <\/picture>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n