Which tasks actually control your deadline? The critical path is the longest chain of dependencies — delay anything on it and the whole project slips.
Critical Path MethodLive
project scheduling
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The Critical Path Method finds the longest chain of dependent tasks through a project — the sequence that sets the minimum completion time. Tasks on it have zero slack: delay any one and the whole project slips. Tasks off it can float. Stretch task B or D and watch the critical path re-route. The backbone of project management.
Reading this result: The critical path is A → B → D → F at 15 days. Tasks C, E carry slack — delaying them will not move the finish date, but any slip on a critical task pushes the whole project.
Governing equation
T=pathsmaxi∑di=15days,slacki=LSi−ESi
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How it works
The Critical Path Method computes the earliest and latest start of every task from the dependency network, then identifies the sequence with zero slack: the critical path. Its length is the minimum project duration. Tasks off the path have float and can slip without harm. Adjusting a task's duration can re-route the critical path entirely — the core of project scheduling.
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The math, the assumptions, real-world uses, or a code translation — explained for this exact simulation.
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The solver uses established numerical methods, but results are for research and educational purposes and should be validated against experiment or professional review before you rely on them.