How to track time in Asana
Learn how to track time in Asana by adding an estimate and logging actual time on a task in List view, with a timer option for live tracking.
Quick answer
To track time in Asana, open a project in List view and use the Estimated time and Actual time columns. Type an estimate such as 1h 30m, then open Actual time, pick a quick option like 45 min, and select Add time. You can also use Start timer instead.
Steps at a glance
- Open a project in List view
- Click the Estimated time cell on a task
- Type your estimate
- Click the Actual time cell
- Pick a time and select Add time
- Or use Start timer to track live
Interactive demo
Summary
Asana lets you track time on a task with two fields in List view: Estimated time for the plan and Actual time for what you spent. Comparing them shows where work runs over, and the column totals add up across the section.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Open the Estimated time cell
Open your project in List view. Find the task you want to track and click its cell in the Estimated time column. A prompt reading Add estimated time appears over the cell.
Step 2
Type your estimate
Type how long you expect the task to take, for example 1h 30m, then press Enter to save it. The cell shows the value and the section total in SUM updates.
Step 3
Open the Actual time cell
Click the cell for the same task in the Actual time column. A small panel opens with an hh mm field, today's date, and a list of quick options.
Step 4
Pick the time you spent
Choose a quick option such as 45 min, or type your own value in the hh mm field. The field fills with the time you picked.
Step 5
Log the time
Click Add time to save the entry. The Actual time cell now shows 45m, and the SUM for the column updates to match.
Step 6
Or start a timer instead
To track time live, click Start timer in the Actual time cell when you begin working, and stop it when you finish. Use this instead of typing a time by hand.
Why this matters
You finished a launch checklist and need to know whether it took longer than planned. Logging an estimate and the actual time on the task gives you numbers to compare, so you can plan the next request more accurately.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Estimated time and Actual time?
Estimated time is how long you expect a task to take. Actual time is how long it took. Each column has its own SUM total.
Can I enter my own amount of time?
Yes. Type a value such as 1h 30m in the hh mm field, or choose a quick option like 45 min.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to add a due date in AsanaAdd a due date to an Asana task from List view: click the Due date cell, pick a day in the calendar, and confirm the date shows on the task row.
How to use workload view in AsanaAdd the Workload tab to an Asana project, then read task counts by person on a calendar, move between periods, and expand a row to see tasks.
How to add a collaborator to a task in AsanaAdd a collaborator to an Asana task: open the task details, use the collaborators button, and enter a teammate's email address in the Members field.
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