What is a WBS?
A Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is a hierarchical decomposition of a project into smaller, manageable components. It breaks work into phases (Level 2), deliverables, and work packages (Level 3+) — making estimation, assignment, and tracking possible.
Level 1 — Project
The project name — the top-level node of your WBS
- Project Name: _________________________________
- Project Manager: _________________________________
- Date: _____________
Level 2 — Major Deliverables / Phases
Break the project into 4–7 major work areas or phases
- 1.0 Phase/Deliverable Name: _________________________________
- 2.0 Phase/Deliverable Name: _________________________________
- 3.0 Phase/Deliverable Name: _________________________________
- 4.0 Phase/Deliverable Name: _________________________________
- 5.0 Phase/Deliverable Name: _________________________________
Level 3 — Work Packages (Under Phase 1)
Break each phase into specific work packages — what needs to be done
- 1.1 Work Package: _____________ Owner: _____________ Est. Hours: _____
- 1.2 Work Package: _____________ Owner: _____________ Est. Hours: _____
- 1.3 Work Package: _____________ Owner: _____________ Est. Hours: _____
- 1.4 Work Package: _____________ Owner: _____________ Est. Hours: _____
Level 3 — Work Packages (Under Phase 2)
Repeat the work package breakdown for each phase
- 2.1 Work Package: _____________ Owner: _____________ Est. Hours: _____
- 2.2 Work Package: _____________ Owner: _____________ Est. Hours: _____
- 2.3 Work Package: _____________ Owner: _____________ Est. Hours: _____
- 2.4 Work Package: _____________ Owner: _____________ Est. Hours: _____
Level 3 — Work Packages (Under Phase 3)
Continue for all remaining phases
- 3.1 Work Package: _____________ Owner: _____________ Est. Hours: _____
- 3.2 Work Package: _____________ Owner: _____________ Est. Hours: _____
- 3.3 Work Package: _____________ Owner: _____________ Est. Hours: _____
- 3.4 Work Package: _____________ Owner: _____________ Est. Hours: _____
WBS Summary
Totals and WBS dictionary reference
- Total Work Packages: _____
- Total Estimated Hours: _____
- Total Estimated Cost: $_____________
- WBS Dictionary location: _________________________________
- Approved by: _____________ Date: _____________
WBS Tips
The 100% Rule
Your WBS must capture 100% of the work. If a deliverable is not in the WBS, it does not exist for planning purposes.
Focus on Deliverables, Not Activities
WBS nodes are nouns (things produced), not verbs (actions taken). "Website" not "Build website". The activity comes at level 3 and below.
Stop at Work Packages
A work package is the lowest level of the WBS — it should be assignable to one person/team and completable within one reporting period.
Use the WBS to Estimate
Estimate effort and cost at the work package level, then roll up. Bottom-up estimation from a WBS is far more accurate than top-down guessing.