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what_are_the_characteristics_of_a_good_estimate

What Are the Characteristics of a Good Estimate?

Estimates need to reflect reality. Some basic characteristics of what we need from estimates include:

  • The estimates consistently reflect the capacity of the Team to deliver.
  • The estimates consistently reflect the size of the work no matter what kind of work it is. For example, it should not matter that we are estimating a new feature or defects.
  • They are truly relative in that, on a Team by Team basis, an 8 is an 8, and an 8 is about 4 times a 2 no matter the source.
  • Estimation data allows the use of ranges of estimates to help understand the risk profile of the work. A simple example of this is when the Product Owner uses best, average and worst velocities to understand what is likely to happen with their plan.

It is worth saying again:

The estimates consistently reflect the capacity of the Team to deliver.

They must be based on reality.

/home/hpsamios/hanssamios.com/dokuwiki/data/pages/what_are_the_characteristics_of_a_good_estimate.txt · Last modified: 2020/11/02 10:50 by hans