How to Track Time in Asana (2026 Guide)
Asana tracks time two ways: natively on the Advanced plan (estimated vs. actual time, with a built-in timer) or through a time-tracking integration on any plan. Here’s how to set up each.
1. Native Time Tracking (Advanced Plan and Up)
Asana’s built-in time tracking lives right on the task.
Log actual time
- Open a task.
- Find the time tracking field in the task pane.
- Either start the timer to track live, or enter time manually (e.g., 1h 30m).
- Stop the timer when you’re done; the total saves to the task.
Set estimated time
- In the same time tracking area, add an estimated time for the task.
- As actual time accrues, Asana shows actual vs. estimate, so you can see what ran over.
Because estimated and actual time are fields, you can roll them up in reporting — sum hours by project, assignee, or custom field.
2. Time Tracking on Starter or Free
Native tracking is Advanced-only, but you can add it lower down with an integration:
- Harvest — Asana’s longest-standing time partner; start a Harvest timer from inside a task.
- Clockify — free time tracker with an Asana button on each task.
- Everhour — embeds timers and time totals directly in the Asana interface.
Setup pattern (similar for each):
- Install the integration’s browser extension or connect it in Asana → Apps.
- Authorize access to your Asana account.
- A timer button appears on each task — click to start and stop.
- Reports live in the integration’s dashboard, not in Asana.
3. Report on Tracked Time
- Native: build a dashboard or use the project’s reporting to sum actual time by assignee or section, and compare against estimates.
- Integration: pull reports from Harvest/Clockify/Everhour, where invoicing and rate features usually live.
4. Troubleshooting
I don’t see the time tracking field
Native time tracking requires the Advanced plan (or higher). On Starter/free, use an integration instead.
My timer didn’t save
Make sure you stopped the timer — a running timer isn’t logged until it stops. For integrations, confirm the extension is signed in to both the tool and Asana.
Estimated vs. actual isn’t showing
You need both values: add an estimated time as well as logging actual time so Asana can compare them.
Integration timer button is missing
Reconnect the app under Asana → Apps, and for extension-based tools confirm the browser extension is enabled and logged in.
I want time logged automatically
Manual timers get forgotten. To log or summarize time based on activity rather than remembering to hit start, connect Asana to your workflow via Carly’s Asana integration.
More on Asana: How to use custom fields in Asana · How to set a recurring task in Asana · How to export Asana to Excel · How to create a Gantt chart in Asana. For more ways to cut manual logging, see the best AI workflow automation tools.
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