How to Forecast Cash Flow Before Your Project Starts

Forecasting cash flow before your project starts helps you plan spending based on estimated costs, even when no actual costs have been incurred. This guide covers creating a forecast with your estimated total, then distributing that amount across your project timeline in the Cash Flow module.

Before You Start

• Have your estimated project costs ready (this becomes your Estimate at Completion or EAC)

Create a Forecast

1. Click Cost in the left navigation bar
2. Click Forecast in the top menu to open the Forecast register
3. Click Add Your First Forecast (or + Add Forecast)
4. Enter your forecast details
   • Select the Budget this forecast relates to (if applicable). See How to Create Budgets and Sub Budgets if you haven't set one up yet.
5. Click Add to save your forecast

You can also create a forecast from the Overall page by clicking + Add at the top right and selecting + Forecast.

Distribute Cash Flow

You can distribute your forecast across your project timeline using two methods: at the object level (for specific forecast items) or at the budget level (for higher-level planning).

Distribute at the Object Level

Use this method to distribute cash flow for a specific forecast item.

1. Click Cost in the left navigation bar
2. Click Cash Flow in the top menu
3. Locate your forecast in the cash flow table below the graph
   • You may need to expand the relevant budget by clicking on it to reveal nested forecasts
4. Click the Action button (three dots) beside your forecast
5. Select Edit Forecast Cash Flow
6. Enter your forecast amounts in the relevant month fields using one of these methods:
   • Manual entry: Click each month field and type the amount directly
   • Paste from Excel: Copy a single row of monthly values from Excel, click the first month field in Mastt, and paste—values automatically populate across subsequent months
7. Click Confirm to save your forecast cash flow distribution

Distribute at the Budget Level

Use this method to forecast at a higher level without creating individual forecast items.

1. Click Cost in the left navigation bar
2. Click Cash Flow in the top menu
3. Click the Settings icon (gear) in the top right corner
4. Ensure the Budget Cash Flow Entry toggle is switched on
5. Return to the cash flow table
6. Click the Action button (three dots) next to the relevant budget
7. Select Edit Budget Cash Flow
8. Enter your estimated monthly values manually or paste from Excel
9. Click Confirm to save

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: What if my pasted Excel values don't align with the correct months?

Check that your Excel data starts from the same month as the field you clicked. Values paste left to right in order.

Q: Why can't I see the Edit Budget Cash Flow option?

The Budget Cash Flow Entry toggle must be enabled. Click the Settings icon (gear) in the top right of the Cash Flow module and switch it on.

Need Help?