How to Create Task Dependencies Using Task Numbers

You can create predecessor and successor relationships in Project Insight by entering task numbers in the Pred by Number column. This provides a quick way to build task dependencies directly from the task list and may feel familiar to Microsoft Project users.

How do I create a task dependency using a task number?

To create a task dependency, enter the predecessor task's number in the successor task's Pred by Number column.

For example, if a review meeting should begin after task 5 is completed, enter:

5

Project Insight creates a finish-to-start relationship between the two tasks. The review meeting will be scheduled to begin after task 5 finishes.

What is the default task dependency type?

The default relationship is finish-to-start. This means the successor task cannot start until the predecessor task finishes.

When you enter only a task number, Project Insight automatically uses the finish-to-start relationship.

For example:

5

This creates a finish-to-start dependency on task 5.

How do I add more than one predecessor?

Enter multiple task numbers in the Pred by Number column and separate them with commas.

For example:

3,5

The successor task will depend on both task 3 and task 5.

How do I change the task dependency type?

Add the relationship abbreviation after the predecessor task number.

For example:

3SS

This creates a start-to-start relationship with task 3.

You can combine different relationship types when a task has multiple predecessors.

For example:

5,3SS

In this example:

• Task 5 uses the default finish-to-start relationship.
• Task 3 uses a start-to-start relationship.

What task dependency types can I use?

Project Insight supports the standard task dependency relationship types:

• FS – Finish to Start: The successor starts after the predecessor finishes.
• SS – Start to Start: The successor starts after the predecessor starts.
• FF – Finish to Finish: The successor finishes after the predecessor finishes.
• SF – Start to Finish: The successor finishes after the predecessor starts.

Finish-to-start is the most commonly used relationship and is applied automatically when no abbreviation is entered.

How do I show the task number columns?

The task number columns may not appear in the task list by default.

1. Open the project task list.
2. Select Display Options.
3. Find the Number column in the available columns.
4. Find the Pred by Number column in the available columns.
5. Add both columns to the task list.
6. Select Refresh.

The task number and predecessor-by-number columns will now appear in the task list.

How do I confirm that the dependency was created?

Open the project Gantt chart after entering the predecessor task number. The Gantt chart will display the relationship between the predecessor and successor tasks.

You can also open the task and review its predecessor relationships from the full task edit screen.

When should I use task numbers to create dependencies?

Creating dependencies by task number is useful when:

• You are building or editing dependencies directly from the task list.
• You already know the predecessor task numbers.
• You need to add several predecessors quickly.
• You are accustomed to entering dependencies in Microsoft Project.
• You want to create different relationship types without opening each task.

Common mistakes when entering predecessors by number

• Entering the successor task number instead of the predecessor task number.
• Forgetting to separate multiple task numbers with commas.
• Using an incorrect relationship abbreviation.
• Assuming the Number and Pred by Number columns appear in the task list by default.
• Creating unnecessary dependency relationships on summary tasks instead of the individual tasks within the summary.

Related questions

Can one task have multiple predecessors?

Yes. Enter each predecessor task number separated by a comma. Each predecessor may also use a different relationship type.

Do I have to enter FS for finish-to-start?

No. Finish-to-start is the default relationship. Entering the task number by itself creates a finish-to-start dependency.

Can I see task number dependencies on the Gantt chart?

Yes. After creating the relationship, open the Gantt chart to review the dependency line and the resulting task schedule.

Can I edit the dependency from the full task screen?

Yes. You can review and edit predecessor relationships from the task's full edit screen when you need additional dependency options.

Learn more about task dependencies

Learn more about creating and managing predecessor relationships in Task Dependencies in Project Insight .