Day 59 - Time Estimate Formula

Try the PERT formula to help you guesstimate how long those project tasks are going to take. It's a three-point estimate which you can use for estimating costs or time durations.

So you'll take your best guess at filling out the formula

Fill out the "a" - Optimistic time in # of hours
Fill our the "b" - Pessimistic time in # of hours
Fill out the "m" -Most Likely time in # of hours

The 'm' (Most Likely time) is then multiplied by 4.
4m is the weighted average.

Next add those three numbers together:  a + 4m + b
Once you have that result divide that number by 6.

'E' is the result.

You now have your best guess at a time estimate as to how long something is going to take!

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Example.  Lets say you want to calculate how long it's going to take you to complete a wireframe for a simple search bar you're designing.  How long will it take?

E = (a + 4m + b) / 6

8 hours is your optimistic guess
20 hours is your pessimistic guess
12 hours is most likely guess based on your experience

E = ( 8 + 4*12 + 20 ) / 6
So the result is 12.6 hours

12.6 = ( 8 + 48 + 20 ) / 6