how do I clear out cost calculations?

[AJS]

Someone gave me a Project file that I need to edit. It has several cost
columns in the Gantt chart (e.g., Cost, Cost1) and I don't even know what the
figures in the columns represent. I want to get rid of those columns (I know
how to 'Hide' columns) and simply get a column that is a new, accurate
calculation of work Resources. When I try to add a new column, it seems to
want to use data from the other cost columns. How do I get the cost column
I'm looking for?

Thanks!

 

[JulieS]

Hi AJS,

The "regular" cost column calculates costs per task. From Help on the
Cost field:
================================
Cost is calculated based on the Standard Rate, Overtime Rate, Per Use
Cost, and Cost accrual settings for the resource and the amount of work
assigned to all resources for the task. Any fixed costs for the task are
also added to this field
=========================

To the Cost1 columns - it is difficult to know what the person who
originally made the file did. They may have manually typed in data, or
there may be a formula in the field.

To see what the formula in the field is, click your secondary mouse
button over the column heading and choose Customize Fields from the
shortcut menu that appears. If there is a formula in the field, the
option button next to the Formula... button should be selected. Click
on the Formula button to view the formula. If you no longer wish to
have the formula calculate for the custom cost field, cancel out of the
formula dialog box, returning to the Customize Fields dialog box and
click the option button to the left of the word "None" under Custom
Attributes.

I don't know which cost column you are looking for, but the Cost field
should provide calculations based upon the resources' rates, their work
assignments and any fixed costs that have been added.

I hope this helps. Let us know how you get along.

Julie
Project MVP

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