What are the six types of tolerances in the PRINCE2 methodology?

What are the six types of tolerances in the PRINCE2 methodology?

Until September 2023, PRINCE2 recommended 6 tolerances for projects. These were:

  • Time/schedule tolerance - the range of time that the project or stage must be delivered within;
  • Cost/budget tolerance - the range of cost that the project or stage must be delivered within;
  • Scope tolerance - the acceptable range of scope that must be delivered;
  • Risk tolerance - the amount of risk that can be tolerated on a project;
  • Quality tolerance - the range of quality that is acceptable on a project;
  • Benefits tolerance - an acceptable range of benefits that will make the project worthwhile.

However, with the launch of the most recent (7th edition) of PRINCE2 in September 2023, a 7th performance target for sustainability was introduced.

Last edited on: 16 Dec 2025


PRINCE2 related articles

PRINCE2 course and certification cost in the UK.
PRINCE2 cost
image
Save on PRINCE2 certification costs with our exclusive discount codes. Read on to find out how to make your training more affordable.
PRINCE2 podcasts
PRINCE2 podcasts
image
Enhance your PRINCE2 learning with our podcasts, narrated by an experienced project manager. Perfect for complementing your course studies.
PRINCE2 practices: Free ebook
PRINCE2 practices: Free ebook
image
Get a free ebook on PRINCE2 practices to prepare for your PRINCE2 Foundation exam. Discover the integrated elements of PRINCE2 by reading further.
PRINCE2® qualifications and AXELOS membership
PRINCE2 renewal and AXELOS membership
image
Understand the validity of your PRINCE2 qualification and how AXELOS membership can benefit your career. Learn more about renewal processes by reading on.
Knowledge Train's PRINCE2 exam results
Knowledge Train’s PRINCE2 exam results
image
Understand why Knowledge Train's PRINCE2 exam pass rates exceed the national average and how their approach can benefit you. Scroll down for insights.
PRINCE2 stages
PRINCE2 stages
image
Explore the rationale behind the 'manage by stages' principle in PRINCE2 and its benefits for project management. Learn more by scrolling down.
PRINCE2 glossary.
PRINCE2 glossary
image
Access a comprehensive PRINCE2 glossary of terms to support your understanding and exam preparation. Essential for students and practitioners alike.
PRINCE2 7th Edition – What’s different?
PRINCE2 7th Edition – What’s different?
image
Explore the changes in PRINCE2 7th edition and why they are significant for project management professionals. Discover the updates by reading more.
Interview with Madeleine Parsley
Interview with Madeleine Parsley
image
In this video, Madeleine Parsley describes how her career was helped by taking a PRINCE2 Foundation and Practitioner course with Knowledge Train.
PRINCE2 training course reviews
PRINCE2 training course reviews
image
Watch video reviews from students who attended a PRINCE2 training course with Knowledge Train. Click through to hear about their experiences.
PRINCE2 study formats
PRINCE2 study formats
image
Compare the four study formats for PRINCE2 certification to find the best fit for your learning style and schedule. Read on for details.
PRINCE2 popularity
PRINCE2 popularity
image
Explore the rising global popularity of PRINCE2 and its benefits for project management professionals. Scroll down for updates and an insightful infographic.