SmartSheet: How to Automate Your Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) Numbering in 2024
In 2024, the easiest way to automate your Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) is by using SmartSheet’s official WBS template. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to use the template, and if you prefer not to use it, we’ll explain how to copy the WBS numbering system into your own sheet.
Finding the template in SmartSheet
Sometimes the link does not work, here's how you can find the template in SmartSheet:
- Open SmartSheet.
- Click the + icon on the left side of the page to create a new project.
- Click View all templates.
- Search for Work Breakdown Schedule.
The template's automated WBS numbers
The WBS template has a special "WBS" column that automatically gives each row a number based on its place in the project. If you indent a row, the number changes by adding a decimal to show the depth. Each row gets a unique number based on the project and the level.
You can indent rows as much as you want, and the numbers will always adjust. The system is flexible and robust.
There are some hidden columns in the template, but you don’t need to worry about them. However, you should know about the Skip WBS column. This column lets you skip numbering for certain rows. This is helpful if you have informational rows that shouldn’t be part of the WBS or if you don’t want the top project level included.
Copying the WBS numbers into your own sheet
If you don’t want to use the template but still want automatic WBS numbers, you have two choices:
- Copy the template and delete any columns you don’t need.
- Copy the template’s WBS hidden columns into your sheet.
We strongly recommend option 1. Option 2 is harder because SmartSheet doesn’t allow you to copy and paste entire columns between sheets. You would have to manually copy each column, make sure the column types match, and set up the formulas correctly. Option 1 is much faster and helps you avoid mistakes.
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