Calculating RICE Scores: A Practical Guide
Apply the RICE formula to your backlog and produce a ranked list.
Multiply Reach by Impact by Confidence (as a decimal), then divide by Effort in person-months. Only relative ranking matters—compare scores from the same session with the same units.
Outcome: A ranked list you can plan sprints from—with assumptions written down.
Prerequisites
- A backlog with several initiatives
- Agreed time period for Reach (e.g. one quarter)
What you’re doing
You’re turning four inputs into one number per initiative so the team can sort the backlog without arguing past each other. The mechanics are simple; the discipline is in consistent units and written assumptions.
Formula
RICE = (Reach × Impact × Confidence) ÷ Effort
- Reach — users or events in your chosen window
- Impact — your team’s agreed multiplier (e.g. 0.25–3)
- Confidence — 0–100% expressed as 0–1 in the sheet
- Effort — person-months of real work (design + eng + QA as you defined)
Sort by score descending. Re-run when inputs materially change—usually each planning cycle or when new data lands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change the Impact scale?
Yes—document it and use one scale for the whole session. Consistency beats cleverness.
What if Effort is tiny?
Use fractional person-months (e.g. 0.5). Very small effort with decent Reach often surfaces quick wins.