Launch Backward Planner
Reverse-engineer your timeline from the launch date. Enter days until launch, total effort, and a buffer percentage to see how many days before launch work needs to begin.
Provides scheduling guidance only; adjust for team availability.
Examples
- 60 days out, 40 workdays, 20% buffer ⇒ -8 days
- 45 days out, 30 workdays, 10% buffer ⇒ 12 days
FAQ
What if I track effort in hours?
Convert hours to workdays by dividing by the team’s productive hours per day before entering the total.
Can I model multiple buffers?
Yes. Sum all contingency percentages into one combined buffer before calculating.
How do weekends factor in?
The calculator uses calendar days. If you only work weekdays, convert the schedule into calendar days first.
Additional Information
- Negative results mean you should already be underway—start immediately or adjust scope.
- Include cross-functional reviews and handoffs in the total workday estimate before adding buffer.
- Pair this output with a phase breakdown to assign start dates for each milestone.