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: 20 Jan 2026


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