Form Factory’s reference scale for estimating user stories. Uses a Fibonacci-like sequence that combines time, complexity, and uncertainty into a single number. Supports the INVEST criteria (Estimable, Small) from user-story-guide.
The Matrix
| Points | Time | Complexity | Uncertainty |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A few minutes | Little | None |
| 2 | A few hours | Little | None |
| 3 | A day | Low | Low |
| 5 | A few days | Medium | Moderate |
| 8 | A week | Medium | Moderate |
| 13 | Two weeks | High | High |
| 21 | A month | Very High | Very High |
Rules
- 21 points = must split. A story estimated at 21 is too large — break it into smaller stories (see user-story-guide on epics).
- The practical working range for sprint-ready stories is 1–13.
- Story points measure relative effort, not just calendar time — complexity and uncertainty matter as much as duration.