Software Cost Estimation Calculator

Estimate software development effort, cost, and schedule using the COCOMO model

Basic Parameters

Project Type:

Project Size (KLOC - Thousand Lines of Code):

Cost Drivers (Effort Multipliers)

Adjust these factors based on your project characteristics (1.0 = nominal)

Product Attributes

Required Software Reliability (RELY):

Database Size (DATA):

Product Complexity (CPLX):

Hardware Attributes

Execution Time Constraint (TIME):

Main Storage Constraint (STOR):

Virtual Machine Volatility (VIRT):

Computer Turnaround Time (TURN):

Personnel Attributes

Analyst Capability (ACAP):

Applications Experience (AEXP):

Programmer Capability (PCAP):

Virtual Machine Experience (VEXP):

Programming Language Experience (LEXP):

Project Attributes

Modern Programming Practices (MODP):

Use of Software Tools (TOOL):

Required Development Schedule (SCED):

Economic Parameters

Average Developer Salary (per month):

Overhead Multiplier (e.g., benefits, office space):

Estimation Results

Effort (Person-Months)

Development Time (Months)

Estimated Cost
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Enter your parameters to see the project complexity assessment.

Detailed Breakdown

Your detailed cost estimation analysis will appear here.

📊 COCOMO Model Reference

Project Type	Effort Equation (a)	Schedule Equation (c)	Typical Size	Example Projects
Organic	2.4 × KLOC^1.05	2.5 × Effort^0.38	2-50 KLOC	Small business apps, simple systems
Semi-Detached	3.0 × KLOC^1.12	2.5 × Effort^0.35	50-300 KLOC	Utilities, compilers, database systems
Embedded	3.6 × KLOC^1.20	2.5 × Effort^0.32	Over 300 KLOC	Real-time systems, flight control

Note: These are the basic COCOMO equations. The calculator uses the intermediate COCOMO model with cost drivers.

📚 Software Estimation Best Practices

📏

Accurate Size Estimation

Use function points or historical data for more accurate size estimates rather than just LOC.

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Iterative Refinement

Refine estimates as project details become clearer during requirements and design phases.

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Historical Data

Maintain historical data from past projects to improve future estimates.

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Team Experience

Factor in your team's specific experience with the technology and domain.

⚠️

Risk Management

Include contingency buffers for risks and uncertainties in your estimates.

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Multiple Methods

Use multiple estimation techniques and compare results for better accuracy.

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Note: This calculator provides estimates based on the COCOMO model. Actual project costs may vary based on many factors not accounted for in this model. Use this as a starting point and adjust based on your specific circumstances.