Story Point Calculator

The Agile World and Story Points

Before diving into the Story Point Calculator, let's briefly review the essence of agile estimation and the concept of user story points. In Agile, we steer away from rigid timeframes and specific deadlines. Instead, we seek a more flexible and meaningful way to measure the complexity, risk, and workload of each task.

This is where story points come into play. They are a measurement unit that represent the effort required to complete a task within your project backlog. Story points allow your team to assess work in a relative and abstract manner, fostering decision-making that adds genuine value to the project.

Using the Fibonacci Sequence for Agile Estimation

The secret behind our Story Point Calculator is the Fibonacci Sequence. You might be surprised to learn that this mathematical wonder isn't confined to textbooks and equations. It's a pattern that often observed in the natural world - from the spirals of seashells to the arrangement of leaves on a pinecone.

But what does this have to do with Agile estimation? Well, the Fibonacci Sequence serves as the inspiration for assigning numbers to story points.

Essentially, each number in the Fibonacci scale corresponds to the complexity of the task. The higher the number, the more intricate the story point becomes.

Why the Fibonacci Sequence Matters

You might be wondering why we'd choose the Fibonacci Sequence for story points estimation. The answer lies in its inherent realism. Estimation sessions often lead to ambitious expectations, with teams hoping to achieve maximum productivity within tight constraints.

As the project evolves, requirements shift, and unpredicted events may occur. If your initial estimates were too optimistic, you may find yourself falling short of your goals, leading to extensive replanning.

The exponential progression of the Fibonacci Sequence emphasizes the significance of each number. Unlike a linear scale, where a 5 could seem nearly as vital as a 4 or 6, the Fibonacci scale offers a clearer hierarchy.

The most common application of the Fibonacci scale in Agile estimation is through a playful technique called Planning Poker. It injects an element of gamification into the estimation process, making it an enjoyable part of your workday. Even the most reserved team members are encouraged to participate, ensuring you capture insights from all corners.

How does the EasyRetro Story Point Calculator works?

Initially, we conducted research on Agile Estimation, identifying key factors for estimating task effort. These factors include:

• Dependencies: Other ongoing or pending stories.
• Knowledge: The assignee's familiarity with the task's subject.
• Repetition: How often similar tasks have been completed.
• Duration: The team's time estimate for task completion.
• Complexity: The task's level of difficulty.
• Risk: Potential risks for the project or company.

We then analyzed the factors combinations, considering their relationships and best/worst-case scenarios. This process led to the development of an efficient algorithm and an easy-to-use tool that automates all the calculations for you!

Our point system follows the Fibonacci Sequence, where points increase more rapidly for complex tasks. Additionally, our tool provides a Fibonacci range for estimated points, allowing your team to easily choose a suitable value within your own scale.