What is the triangle of project management?

The triangle of project management is composed of time, cost, and scope, which together influence quality. This concept is often referred to as the 'iron triangle' or 'triple constraints'. The idea is that altering one aspect, such as the project's budget, timeline, or scope, will consequently impact at least one of the other elements.

Last edited on: 02 Jun 2026
Can a project belong to more than one programme?
Do project managers write business cases?
How do you compare programme and project management?
How do you plan for a project or programme?
How hard is project management?
How is Agile PM different from traditional PM?
Is project management hard to learn?
Is Scrum Agile or waterfall?
What are KPIs in project management?
What are the 5 phases of the project life cycle?
What are the 5 stages of project management?
What are the 5 W's of project management?
What are the basics of project management?
What are the five phases of a project?
What are the phases of PM?
What are the three most important things in project management?
What do you mean by Agile project management?
What does the Gantt chart stand for?
What is a program vs project life cycle?
What is a project life cycle?
What is Agile PM vs waterfall PM?
What is Agile working in project management?
What is difference between project and program management?
What is project management in simple words?
What is the 80 20 rule for project managers?
What is the Agile methodology in project management?
What is the difference between Agile and waterfall?
What is the difference between enterprise change and project change?
What is the difference between PM and Agile?
What is the difference between programme & project management?
What is the difference between project and programme management?
What is the life cycle of a project?
What is the RACI matrix used for?
What is the triangle of project management?
What is WBS in project management?
What project management means?
See all Project management FAQs

Project Management related articles

PMO consulting: Unlocking project success
PMO consulting: Unlocking project success
image
Knowledge Train
Project success depends significantly on PMO consulting expertise. This service provides expert advice which helps improve your project management office functionality to achieve enhanced results and productivity.
Which is better, PMI-ACP<sup>®</sup> or PMI-PMP<sup>®</sup>?
Which is better, PMI-ACP® or PMI-PMP®?
image
Simon Buehring
Debating between PMI-ACP® or PMI-PMP®? This article discusses the merits of both, helping you choose the right qualification for your career outside of Europe. Read more.
PRINCE2 Agile behaviours
PRINCE2 Agile behaviours
image
Simon Buehring
Learn about the five key behaviours in PRINCE2 Agile that can enhance agility in your projects. Scroll down to read more.
Project management methods: a guide to modern approaches
Project management methods: a guide to modern approaches
image
Knowledge Train
Learn about popular project management methods and choose the one that will work best for your team and result in greater efficiency. In this comprehensive guide, you will find the most relevant approaches explained.
Sustainable project management
Sustainable project management
image
Knowledge Train
If you want your business to lead with purpose and change, our comprehensive guide will explain how sustainable project management can incorporate eco-friendly projects to make a difference.
APM qualification cost
APM qualification cost
image
Simon Buehring
Learn about the hidden costs associated with APM courses, including typical exam and material fees. Read on to plan your budget effectively.
CAPM Certification (Certified Associate in Project Management): Requirements, Cost, Exam, and How to Apply
CAPM Certification (Certified Associate in Project Management): Requirements, Cost, Exam, and How to Apply
image
Simon Buehring
The Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM) is an entry level project management certification issued by the Project Management Institute (PMI). It validates project management fundamentals across predictive (waterfall) methodologies and agile project management, helping early career professionals build credible, PMBOK Guide aligned knowledge.
Understanding PMO roles
Understanding PMO roles
image
Knowledge Train
Learn about crucial positions in a Project Management Office (PMO). The article presents important PMO positions together with their impact on successful project management. Continue reading to fully understand the organisational frameworks of PMOs.
RAID in project management
RAID in project management
image
Knowledge Train
Enter the world of RAID in project management. Explore how this approach helps teams identify potential challenges and make informed decisions, leading to project success.
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)<sup>®</sup> – Book Review
Project Management Body of Knowledge (PMBOK)® – Book Review
image
Simon Buehring
Explore a thorough review of the PMBOK® Guide - Seventh Edition, detailing its relevance and use in project management. Read on to assess its value for your projects.
PRINCE2 certification guide
PRINCE2 certification guide
image
Simon Buehring
PRINCE2 7th edition certification guide to levels exams and flexible study options to boost your project career prospects in the UK and beyond.
WBS – Work Breakdown Structure
WBS – Work Breakdown Structure
image
Knowledge Train
If you want to ensure that your project is managed successfully, then you need to be sure to use the Work Breakdown Structure. Read this guide to learn more about this valuable tool and how you can use it.