https://github.com/marksxiety/man-hours-calculator
Data-driven framework for calculating software project man hours using PERT methodology, Calculate expected duration, variance, completion probability to create quotes you can defend.
https://github.com/marksxiety/man-hours-calculator
data-driven-framework man-hours pert single-page-app task-calculation task-management typescipt vuejs
Last synced: 14 days ago
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Data-driven framework for calculating software project man hours using PERT methodology, Calculate expected duration, variance, completion probability to create quotes you can defend.
- Host: GitHub
- URL: https://github.com/marksxiety/man-hours-calculator
- Owner: marksxiety
- License: mit
- Created: 2026-03-14T06:11:02.000Z (4 months ago)
- Default Branch: main
- Last Pushed: 2026-07-09T03:17:46.000Z (16 days ago)
- Last Synced: 2026-07-09T05:10:20.472Z (15 days ago)
- Topics: data-driven-framework, man-hours, pert, single-page-app, task-calculation, task-management, typescipt, vuejs
- Language: Vue
- Homepage: https://man-hours-calculator.vercel.app
- Size: 503 KB
- Stars: 3
- Watchers: 1
- Forks: 1
- Open Issues: 0
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Metadata Files:
- Readme: README.md
- Changelog: CHANGELOG.md
- License: LICENSE
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README
# Man-Hours Calculator
The Man-Hours Calculator is a data-driven framework designed to bridge the gap between technical uncertainty and business requirements. By replacing "gut-feeling" guesses with the Program Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT), it provides a disciplined way to account for the inherent risks in software development.
---
## The PERT Methodology
The core of this system is the three-point estimation technique. Instead of providing a single number, developers provide three distinct data points for every task:
1. Optimistic (O): The "perfect world" scenario—no blockers or surprises.
2. Most Likely (M): The most realistic, frequent outcome under normal conditions.
3. Pessimistic (P): The "worst-case" scenario—unexpected bugs or hidden dependencies.
### The Weighted Average (Expected Duration)
The system calculates Expected Duration (E) using a weighted average that deliberately leans toward the most likely estimate while still accounting for outliers:
$$E = \frac{O + 4M + P}{6}$$
The "4M" weight reflects real-world behavior: outcomes cluster around what is most likely. Pure averages treat all scenarios equally, which often overestimates uncertainty. This formula keeps the estimate grounded while acknowledging the "tails" of risk.
---
## Features and Interface
* Real-Time Computation: All calculations update instantly as you type, including task-level duration, standard deviation, and project-level variance.
* Probability Analysis: Calculates the statistical chance of finishing by a target deadline based on accumulated project variance.
* Developer Feedback Loop: Allows developers to self-correct unrealistic estimates by seeing the mathematical impact of their inputs immediately.
* Modern Tech Stack: Built with Vue 3, TypeScript, Vite, and TailwindCSS for a high-performance experience.
---
## Understanding the Math
### Standard Deviation (σ)
A measure of "spread"—how far apart your best and worst-case guesses are.
Formula: $$\sigma = \frac{P - O}{6}$$
* Small σ: Signals high confidence; the task is well-understood.
* Large σ: Acts as a warning sign; the task is unpredictable or poorly scoped.
### Variance (σ²)
Variance is the key to project-level uncertainty. While you cannot add standard deviations together, variances can be summed to find the total project risk. Higher cumulative variance means a wider, less predictable delivery window.
### Confidence Intervals
| Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| E ± 1σ | ~68% chance of finishing within this window |
| E ± 2σ | ~95% chance of finishing within this window |
| E ± 3σ | ~99.7% chance of finishing within this window |
---
## Glossary of Terms
* PERT: Program Evaluation and Review Technique—a statistical tool used in project management.
* Estimation Debt: The accumulated cost of optimistic guesses that ignore technical reality.
* Sigma (σ): A statistical term for Standard Deviation; used here to represent task-level risk.
* Expected Duration (E): The final number used for planning, derived from the weighted PERT formula.
---
## Documentation Links
* [Getting Started](./docs/getting-started.md) — Setup and installation.
* [Usage Guide](./docs/usage.md) — How to use the app effectively.
* [Testing Guide](./docs/tests.md) — Unit testing and build verification.
---
## Project Goal
To eliminate "Estimation Debt" by applying a mathematical approach to quoting that accounts for uncertainty while providing full transparency to both developers and stakeholders.