Estimation Tools - E & SD Values


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

SD = (b − a) / 6


To produce a project estimate we do the following:

  1. Decompose the project into a list of estimable tasks, i.e. a work breakdown structure
  2. Estimates the E value and SD for each task.
  3. Calculate the E value for the total project work as E (Project Work) = Σ E (Task)
  4. Calculate the SD value for the total project work as SD (Project Work) = √(Σ SD (Task) 2)

The E and SD values are then used to convert the project estimates to confidence levels. Information Systems typically use the 95% confidence level, i.e. E Value + 2 × SD, for all project and task estimates.