Finish-to-Start (FS) in Microsoft Project
What is Finish-to-Start (FS)?
FS stands for Finish-to-Start.
This is the most common task relationship in Microsoft Project and construction scheduling.
A Finish-to-Start relationship means:
The successor task cannot start until the predecessor task has finished.
In simple terms:
Task A must finish before Task B can start.
Simple Diagram
Task A Finish
↓
Task B Start
or
[Task A]
Finish
↓
Start
[Task B]
Example
| Predecessor Task | Relationship | Successor Task |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation | FS | Rebar Installation |
Explanation
Before workers can install rebar for the foundation, the excavation work must be completed.
Excavation
██████████ Finish
↓
Rebar Installation
██████████ Start
The rebar installation cannot begin until excavation is finished.
Construction Examples
Foundation Work
| Task A | Relationship | Task B |
|---|---|---|
| Excavation | FS | Rebar Installation |
Structural Work
| Task A | Relationship | Task B |
|---|---|---|
| Rebar Installation | FS | Concrete Pouring |
Masonry Work
| Task A | Relationship | Task B |
|---|---|---|
| Brickwork | FS | Plastering |
Painting Work
| Task A | Relationship | Task B |
|---|---|---|
| Plastering | FS | Painting |
Why is FS the Most Common?
Most construction activities follow a natural sequence:
Complete the first activity.
Start the next activity.
For example:
Site Clearing
↓
Excavation
↓
Foundation
↓
Columns
↓
Beams
↓
Roof
Each task must finish before the next one begins.
Benefits of FS Relationships
✅ Easy to understand.
✅ Creates a logical workflow.
✅ Prevents work conflicts.
✅ Improves schedule accuracy.
✅ Simplifies project tracking.
Comparison of Task Relationships
| Type | Full Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| FS | Finish-to-Start | Task B starts after Task A finishes |
| SS | Start-to-Start | Task B starts after Task A starts |
| FF | Finish-to-Finish | Task B finishes after Task A finishes |
| SF | Start-to-Finish | Task B finishes after Task A starts |
Real Construction Schedule Example
Building Foundation
| ID | Task Name | Dependency |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Site Clearing | - |
| 2 | Excavation | FS after Site Clearing |
| 3 | Rebar Installation | FS after Excavation |
| 4 | Concrete Pouring | FS after Rebar Installation |
| 5 | Formwork Removal | FS after Concrete Pouring |
This creates a clear sequence of work.
Easy Way to Remember
FS = Finish First, Start Next
Think:
"Don't start the next task until the current task is finished."
Example
Excavation → FS → Rebar Installation
Rebar Installation → FS → Concrete Pouring
Plastering → FS → Painting
Final Inspection → FS → Project Handover
Key Lesson
Finish-to-Start (FS) means:
The successor task cannot start until the predecessor task has finished.
It is the most commonly used dependency in Microsoft Project because most construction activities follow a step-by-step sequence where one task must be completed before the next task can begin.