This post discusses how to display WBS codes in Microsoft Project. WBS stands for Work Breakdown Structure. It is an (arguably cryptic) way to number tasks in a project so you can tell the hierarchy position. The first number in the sequence represents the task id. Each dot represents a subtask. Follow the steps below to show the WBS number.
- Enter three tasks
- Right-click in the column header area
- Choose Insert Column
- Choose the WBS column
- The results will look like this
WBS Codes
Next, we’ll insert some new tasks and demote them.
- Right-click in row #2
- Choose New Task
- Enter some tasks
- Demote them
- The results will look like this (notice the WBS codes)
Indented WBS Codes
If you really want to make your WBS codes exotic, try these steps.
- Choose Project, WBS Codes…
- Enter a prefix
- Choose a custom numbering scheme
- Click OK
- The results may look something like this
WBS Prefix
–ray