
project-estimation
Estimate project scope, timeline, and resource requirements using multiple estimation techniques including bottom-up, top-down, and analogous estimation methods for accurate project planning.
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Install
Works with every agent the skills CLI supports.
npx skills add https://github.com/aj-geddes/useful-ai-prompts --skill project-estimation- 01
Install
Run the command in your project. The CLI asks which agents to install for.
- 02
Describe the task
Ask your agent for something this skill covers. It loads project-estimation automatically when relevant.
- 03
Review the result
The agent follows the SKILL.md steps, scripts and references bundled with the skill.
SKILL.md
The instructions your agent reads when the skill is triggered.
Project Estimation
Table of Contents
Overview
Accurate project estimation determines realistic timelines, budgets, and resource allocation. Effective estimation combines historical data, expert judgment, and structured techniques to minimize surprises.
When to Use
- Defining project scope and deliverables
- Creating project budgets and timelines
- Allocating team resources
- Managing stakeholder expectations
- Assessing project feasibility
- Planning for contingencies
- Updating estimates during project execution
Quick Start
Minimal working example:
# Three-point estimation technique for uncertainty
class ThreePointEstimation:
@staticmethod
def calculate_pert_estimate(optimistic, most_likely, pessimistic):
"""
PERT formula: (O + 4M + P) / 6
Weighted toward most likely estimate
"""
pert = (optimistic + 4 * most_likely + pessimistic) / 6
return round(pert, 2)
@staticmethod
def calculate_standard_deviation(optimistic, pessimistic):
"""Standard deviation for risk analysis"""
sigma = (pessimistic - optimistic) / 6
return round(sigma, 2)
@staticmethod
def calculate_confidence_interval(pert_estimate, std_dev, confidence=0.95):
"""
Calculate confidence interval for estimate
95% confidence ≈ ±2 sigma
"""
z_score = 1.96 if confidence == 0.95 else 2.576
// ... (see reference guides for full implementation)
Reference Guides
Detailed implementations in the references/ directory:
| Guide | Contents |
|---|---|
| Three-Point Estimation (PERT) | Three-Point Estimation (PERT) |
| Bottom-Up Estimation | Bottom-Up Estimation |
| Analogous Estimation | Analogous Estimation |
| Resource Estimation | Resource Estimation |
| Estimation Templates | Estimation Templates |
Best Practices
✅ DO
- Use multiple estimation techniques and compare results
- Include contingency buffers (15-25% for new projects)
- Base estimates on historical data from similar projects
- Break down large efforts into smaller components
- Get input from team members doing the actual work
- Document assumptions and exclusions clearly
- Review and adjust estimates regularly
- Track actual vs. estimated metrics for improvement
- Include non-development tasks (planning, testing, deployment)
- Account for learning curve on unfamiliar technologies
❌ DON'T
- Estimate without clear scope definition
- Use unrealistic best-case scenarios
- Ignore historical project data
- Estimate under pressure to hit arbitrary targets
- Forget to include non-coding activities
- Use estimates as performance metrics for individuals
- Change estimates mid-project without clear reason
- Estimate without team input
- Ignore risks and contingencies
- Use one technique exclusively
FAQ
What does the project-estimation skill do?
Estimate project scope, timeline, and resource requirements using multiple estimation techniques including bottom-up, top-down, and analogous estimation methods for accurate project planning.
How do I install project-estimation?
Run npx skills add https://github.com/aj-geddes/useful-ai-prompts --skill project-estimation in your project. The skills CLI detects the agents you use and copies the skill into the right folder. For Claude Code you can also place the skill folder at ~/.claude/skills/project-estimation/ (personal) or .claude/skills/project-estimation/ (project).
Which AI agents can use project-estimation?
Any agent that supports the open Agent Skills format (a folder with a SKILL.md file), including Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, GitHub Copilot, Gemini CLI, Windsurf, Cline, OpenCode and more.
Is project-estimation safe to install?
No partner security audit is available yet. Skills can run commands and scripts, so read the SKILL.md and any bundled files before installing.
Who maintains project-estimation?
It is published by aj-geddes in aj-geddes/useful-ai-prompts. It has 659 recorded installs.
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