Duration on a summary bar

Question:

I have a duration column. On the summary bar, the duration appears to be the total of the lower level durations. I don't want the cumulative duration of all the tasks but the duration from the start of the first task to the completion of the last task.

Answer:

Here's how to get what you want on the summary bar:

Double-click the column heading of your duration column. This brings up the Column Properties dialog box.
Choose the Properties button.
On the Duration Settings dialog box, Show Summary Duration in Calendar Time: