Relative estimation and absolute estimation are two approaches that software development teams can use to estimate the effort required to complete a user story or task. While both approaches have their pros and cons, which one is the best fit for a particular team will depend on the specific needs and goals of the project.
Relative estimation
Relative estimation involves estimating the effort required to complete a user story or task in relation to other user stories or tasks in the project. For example, a team might use a scale of 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, etc. to indicate the relative effort required to complete a task. This approach is often used when the team is working on a large project with many user stories or tasks and needs a high-level sense of the overall effort involved.
One advantage of relative estimation is that it is relatively quick and easy to use, as it does not require the team to estimate the exact effort required for each task. It can also be useful for providing a sense of the relative priority of different user stories or tasks, as the team can assign higher point values to more important or complex tasks.
However, there are also some drawbacks to relative estimation. One disadvantage is that it can be less accurate than absolute estimation, as the relative nature of the estimates may not capture the full complexity and effort required to complete a task. It can also be difficult to compare the estimates for different projects or teams, as the relative scales used for estimation may vary from one team to another.
Absolute estimation
Absolute estimation involves estimating the exact effort required to complete a user story or task in terms of a specific unit of measurement, such as hours or days. This approach is often used when the team is working on a smaller project with fewer user stories or tasks and needs a more precise estimate of the effort required.
One advantage of absolute estimation is that it can be more accurate than relative estimation, as the team is able to capture the full complexity and effort required to complete a task. It can also be easier to compare the estimates for different projects or teams, as the same unit of measurement is used for estimation.
However, there are also some drawbacks to absolute estimation. One disadvantage is that it can be more time-consuming and require more effort from team members, as it involves a more detailed estimation process. It can also be less flexible than relative estimation, as the team may need to adjust the estimates for a task if the scope or requirements change.
Which one should you pick?
Ultimately, the choice between relative estimation and absolute estimation will depend on the needs and goals of the project and the team. Some teams may find that relative estimation is the best fit for their needs, while others may prefer absolute estimation. It’s also worth noting that some teams may choose to use a combination of both approaches, depending on the specific needs of the project.
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