Source: https://www.quantsurv.com/library/glossary/float
Content format: Markdown version of the public page.
Content reviewed: 2026-10-12

# Float

The time an activity can move within a programme before affecting a defined successor or completion milestone, depending on the type of float being measured.

by [Jack Butler-Kettle](<https://www.quantsurv.com/about#jack-butler-kettle>) · About 2 min readShare

## Further detail

Read this alongside [SCL Delay and Disruption Protocol](<https://www.scl.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/SCL_Delay_Protocol_2nd_Edition_Final.pdf>).

Float describes flexibility within a particular programme model. Total float concerns movement before the relevant overall completion or constrained milestone is affected; free float concerns movement before a successor is affected. State which measure is used. Programme float does not, by itself, decide which party may use it or whether time relief is due.

Check the current logic, calendars, constraints and actual progress before relying on a float figure. Read any contractual treatment of float alongside the [programme and delay guidance](<https://www.quantsurv.com/library/delay-and-disruption>). Where an event has commercial consequences, [Delay and disruption cost recovery](<https://www.quantsurv.com/claims?service=%2Fdelay-and-disruption%2Fservices%2Fdelay-disruption-recovery#client-types>) can address the supported cost position within the agreed scope.

## Sources

1.  [Delay and Disruption Protocol, 2nd edition, February 2017](<https://www.scl.org.uk/sites/default/files/documents/SCL_Delay_Protocol_2nd_Edition_Final.pdf>). Society of Construction Law.

### Programme and progress example

Replace the simple sequence with the project programme and logic. Explain actual progress, remaining work, mitigation and other causes before assessing completion impact.

[Download blank Excel workbook](<https://www.quantsurv.com/downloads/library/programme-and-progress-example.xlsx>)

Free blank template for your own project. The completed example is shown below. No email address required.

View the completed example

Completed fictional example

Westhaven refurbishment · 14 October 2026 · Version 1.0

#### Programme and progress example

Scroll across if needed to read the whole record. A dash means no value has been entered.

Programme and progress example: completed fictional example
| Activity | Predecessor | Baseline start | Baseline finish | Actual / forecast finish | Progress evidence | Assessment |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| A-100 access release | None | 7 Oct 2026 | 7 Oct 2026 | 8 Oct 2026 | AL-07/08 | Access restored 8 Oct 10:00 |
| A-120 partitions | A-100 | 7 Oct 2026 | 12 Oct 2026 | 14 Oct 2026 forecast | D-07/08; updated quantities | Resequencing partly mitigates interruption |
| A-140 services | A-120 | 13 Oct 2026 | 16 Oct 2026 | 18 Oct 2026 forecast | Planner update P-03 | Check available float and other constraints |

This is an editable sequence illustration, not a critical-path analysis or a finding that an extension of time is due.

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