> 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/management/cost_estimation.md).

# cost\_estimation

## Basic idea

Predicting effort, schedule, and cost of a software project. Approaches range from expert judgement and analogy to algorithmic models (COCOMO, function points, use-case points).

## Key formulas

* General algorithmic: $\text{Effort} = A \cdot \text{Size}^B \cdot M$
* COCOMO basic: $E = a (\text{KLOC})^b$
* PERT three-point: $e = (o + 4m + p)/6$
* Function points: $FP = UFP \times VAF$, $VAF = 0.65 + 0.01 \sum\_{i=1}^{14} F\_i$
