{"id":50689,"date":"2021-03-31T14:38:03","date_gmt":"2021-03-31T14:38:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging-mondaycomblog.kinsta.cloud\/?post_type=pm&p=50689"},"modified":"2026-05-17T23:50:20","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T04:50:20","slug":"waterfall-methodology","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/monday.com\/blog\/project-management\/waterfall-methodology\/","title":{"rendered":"A full guide to the Waterfall methodology for 2026"},"content":{"rendered":"

The analogy of a waterfall for the Waterfall methodology isn\u2019t the best. When someone thinks \u201cwell-controlled, step-by-step process,\u201d whose mind jumps straight to a waterfall?<\/p>\n

Maybe someone who has never seen its chaos and churn in person…A staircase would be a better analogy to illustrate how the methodology works. Waterfall gives your team a structure to help them navigate the treacherous terrain of project management \u2014 just like it\u2019s easier to walk up or down stairs than a steep incline.<\/p>\n

It adds predictability and stability to the process \u2014 a key priority for many projects.<\/p>\n

In this guide, we\u2019ll explain what the Waterfall method is, how it compares to other options, and how you can better implement it in your own company.<\/p>\n

Get started with monday.com<\/a><\/p>\n

What is the Waterfall methodology in project management?<\/h2>\n

The Waterfall methodology is an approach to project management where you break down a large project into clear-cut linear stages, from requirement gathering to implementation.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The linear approach allows you to plan and set a structure for the project early on. That makes it easier to execute and manage progress in your projects. Traditionally, the Waterfall model divides a project into 5 specific phases or stages. Let\u2019s take a closer look.<\/p>\n

What are the 5 phases of the Waterfall method?<\/h2>\n

\"Waterfall<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The Requirements phase:<\/strong> estimating requirements and assessing the viability of a project or proposed solution.<\/li>\n
  2. The Design phase: <\/strong>planning the schedule, milestones, and deliverables of the project; this may also include creating the designs or blueprints for the final deliverable(s).<\/li>\n
  3. The Implementation phase:<\/strong> implementing the plan and making the project a reality.<\/li>\n
  4. The Verification, or testing phase:<\/strong> testing and checking that the resulting product or feature solves the intended problem.<\/li>\n
  5. The Maintenance phase: <\/strong><\/strong>phasing out older products, implementing a maintenance plan for the new machinery, or anything else needed after project completion.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    If you\u2019re familiar with the project life cycle, you might notice that the Waterfall methodology closely mirrors it. Every stage is critical to project success, but pay extra attention to requirements and design.<\/p>\n

    Any shortcomings during these stages can lead to a lot of wasted time and money. If you pick an unstable area for a construction project, making adjustments later can cost a fortune and take months. That\u2019s the key difference between this and playing Jenga. The end goal is definitely not for everything to come crashing down.<\/p>\n

    Is the Waterfall methodology still used?<\/h2>\n

    Yes, even in 2022, a wide range of companies use the Waterfall methodology in various industries.<\/p>\n

    According to a study by PMI, 56%<\/a> of projects used traditional \u2014 AKA Waterfall \u2014 methods in the past 12 months.<\/p>\n

    \"Project<\/p>\n

    (Image Source<\/a>)<\/p>\n

    So, rather than being “dead,” the Waterfall approach is, in fact, the most <\/em>popular project management methodology<\/a> among professionals.<\/p>\n

    Some managers might refer to it as an ancient relic of a bygone age. But \u2014 like in sci-fi novels \u2014 it often turns out that these can be just as powerful as the newest of new technologies.<\/p>\n

    Of course, which project management model is right for you depends on your industry, goals, team size, and project.<\/p>\n

    Let\u2019s explore how Waterfall measures up against some of the newer methods like Agile and Kanban.<\/p>\n

    What is the difference between Waterfall and Agile?<\/h2>\n

    The main difference between Waterfall and Agile<\/a> is that the Agile methodology focuses much less on up-front planning. There\u2019s no goal of a perfect, step-by-step plan before launch.<\/p>\n

    Agile outlines the high-level objectives, goals, and deliverables in a roadmap, sure, but it\u2019s not the detailed battle plan from the Waterfall approach. An Agile team adapts to the changing demands of the market and stakeholders during the project.<\/p>\n

    That often takes the shape of dividing the project into iterations or \u201csprints\u201d \u2014 lasting a few weeks or months \u2014 and adapting the course after each one.<\/p>\n

    \"Agile<\/p>\n

    (Image Source<\/a>)<\/p>\n

    Get started<\/a><\/p>\n

    There\u2019s a misconception that Waterfall and Agile project management<\/a> have nothing in common. But, in many ways, they follow the same fundamental process, with slightly different phases.<\/p>\n

    The difference is that in Agile, the stages don\u2019t happen in a linear order. You don\u2019t plan once and then start the project. The requirements and planning phases are never over. You keep going back to them with the finish of each iteration.<\/p>\n

    The Agile principles<\/a> also dictate that you involve internal and external stakeholders throughout the process, which is something the Waterfall method was silent on. Another crucial aspect of Agile is that teams typically self-organize, with less top-down management input.<\/p>\n

    To sum it all up, these are the key differences between Waterfall and Agile:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"waterfall<\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re not sure which is better for you, you can read more in our post about Agile vs. Waterfall<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    What about Waterfall vs. Kanban?<\/h3>\n

    Kanban is a framework within the Agile method, so it too focuses on flexibility and ongoing adaptation. But instead of dividing the project into sprints, in Kanban, your team is focused on continuous improvement. The main tool for achieving this is a \u201cKanban board.\u201d<\/p>\n

    It is a digital or physical whiteboard divided into a few columns, from to-do to done.<\/p>\n

    \"Kanban<\/p>\n

    You can add new ideas to the to-do column on an ongoing basis. Then, the teams or individuals will assume these tasks, or managers will assign them. For a Waterfall project \u2014 unlike one managed with Kanban \u2014 you don\u2019t continually adapt as you go along. You carefully manage changes to the scope or schedule, but constant change isn\u2019t built-in to the model.<\/p>\n

    In Kanban, you maintain the original company structure, involve stakeholders more, and give every employee a platform to voice their ideas.<\/p>\n

    Some of the key differences are:<\/strong><\/p>\n

    \"waterfall<\/p>\n

    When should you use the Waterfall methodology?<\/h2>\n

    The Waterfall methodology is the best choice for reasonably predictable projects with strict time constraints or flawless operation requirements.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

    These projects can come in many shapes and sizes, in many different industries.<\/p>\n

    Some examples include:<\/p>\n