Estimate
A reasoned forecast of the effort duration cost or size of uncertain work.
Plain English
The team's current best prediction based on what it knows.
In context
An estimate supports planning when its unit assumptions range and confidence are clear and it is revised as evidence changes.
Example
“The initial estimate is three to five days if the API contract remains stable.”
When you'll hear this
- sprint planning
- roadmapping
- project proposals
Common misunderstanding
An estimate is not a commitment and greater precision does not remove uncertainty.
Also known as
estimationeffort estimate
Commonly used by
Related terms
Updated: 2026-08-27
