Estimation Tools
Browse our suite of estimation tools. Select a tool from the tabs below to learn more about how it works and when to use it.
Available Tools
Planning Poker
Fibonacci-based collaborative estimation
What is it?
A consensus-based, gamified technique for estimating the effort or relative size of development goals.
Why use it?
To avoid the anchoring effect where the first person to speak influences everyone else. It ensures all team members have a voice and brings hidden assumptions to light.
How it works
Each team member is given a deck of cards with valid estimates (usually Fibonacci sequence). The Product Owner describes an item, the team discusses, and then everyone privately selects a card. All cards are revealed simultaneously. If there are outliers, the team discusses the reasoning and revotes until consensus is reached.
When to use it?
Typically used during Sprint Planning or Backlog Refinement sessions.
Who should attend?
The entire development team, Scrum Master (Facilitator), and Product Owner.
Facilitator tips
- 1
Start with a mid-complexity item to calibrate the team's scale before tackling the rest of the backlog.
- 2
When there are outliers, ask both the highest AND lowest voter to explain — not just the extremes. The low estimate often holds the hidden simplification.
- 3
If the team can't converge after two rounds, the item is probably too large. Split it before re-estimating.
- 4
The Product Owner should never reveal their opinion before cards are flipped — it defeats the purpose of simultaneous reveal.