Free Float (FF) is a measure of the amount of time that an activity can be delayed without delaying the project completion date. It is calculated by subtracting the Early Start (ES) of an activity from its Late Start (LS). The result is the amount of time that the activity can be delayed without affecting any other activities in the project.
The calculation for free float is relatively simple. First, you need to determine the Early Start and Late Start dates for each activity. Then, subtract the Early Start date from the Late Start date to get the free float value. For example, if an activity has an Early Start date of 10 days and a Late Start date of 15 days, then its free float would be 5 days.
Free float is important because it helps project managers identify activities that can be delayed without impacting other activities or the overall project timeline. This allows them to prioritize tasks and allocate resources more efficiently. Additionally, it helps project managers identify potential risks and develop contingency plans in case certain activities take longer than expected.