Actual Cost

Also referred to as Actual Cost of Work Performed (ACWP), Actual Cost is the actual recorded cost for a budgeted time phase of a work breakdown structure element. In Earned Value Management (EVM), Actual Cost is typically recorded within the time period that Earned Value (Performance or BCWP) is claimed for a work element. The comparison of Actual Cost with Earned Value is one of the basic components of analysis in EVM. Actual cost can include direct labor hours, direct costs or all costs including indirect costs.