What are the 6 variables of PRINCE2?

Since 2017, there have been 6 performance targets in PRINCE2: costs, timescales, quality, scope, risk and benefits. However, with the most recent version of PRINCE2 (7th edition) in September 2023, PRINCE2 introduced a 7th performance target for sustainability. This was driven by the United Nations sustainability goals.

The PRINCE2 guidance recommends setting tolerances for each of these performance targets to help manage the project effectively. The project manager is responsible for monitoring the project against these tolerances, and if necessary, escalating any exceptions to the project board for decision-making. This helps to ensure that the project remains within the agreed limits and is delivered successfully.