> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://isubasinghe.gitbook.io/isithas-wiki/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://isubasinghe.gitbook.io/isithas-wiki/software_engineering/cost_estimation/cocomo.md).

# Cocomo

## Basic idea

COnstructive COst MOdel (Boehm, 1981): an algorithmic cost-estimation model fitted from real project data. Basic COCOMO estimates effort and schedule from KLOC alone; intermediate/detailed variants layer in cost drivers.

## Key formulas

* Basic effort: $E = a \cdot (\text{KLOC})^b$ person-months
* Basic schedule: $D = c \cdot E^d$ months
* **Organic** (small, familiar): $a=2.4,\ b=1.05,\ c=2.5,\ d=0.38$
* **Semi-detached** (medium): $a=3.0,\ b=1.12,\ c=2.5,\ d=0.35$
* **Embedded** (large, strict constraints): $a=3.6,\ b=1.20,\ c=2.5,\ d=0.32$
