Iron Triangle

Definitions

1. The project-management tradeoff between scope, time, and cost, usually implying you cannot maximize all three at once. In engineering slang, invoking the iron triangle is a way to force realism into wishful planning.

   In plain English: The tradeoff relationship between scope, time, and cost in project work.

   Example: "The team used the iron triangle to explain why keeping the full scope and fixed date meant somebody had to accept more cost or more risk."

Related Terms

• Refactor Later
• Swim Lane
• Absolute Unit
• Code Sacrifice
• Move Fast Break Things
• Ugly but Works
• Win Some Lose Some
• Worth the Effort