What term is used to refer to the total funds required to complete a project or task?

The term that refers to the total funds required to complete a project or task is "Cost." In project management and finance, "cost" encompasses all expenses related to resources, labor, materials, and any other expenditures necessary for the successful completion of the project. It provides a comprehensive overview of what is needed financially.

While "budget" is related and refers to a plan that outlines expected income and expenses over a certain period, it doesn't inherently represent the total funds needed to complete a specific task. "Investment" typically implies funds put into a project with the expectation of returns, and "expenses" denotes the costs incurred during a project but does not account for the total required to complete it. Therefore, "cost" is the most accurate term for what is needed to finish a project.