PERT Formula is one on the ways for doing three point estimation. It calculates expected duration by finding the weighted average of three different estimates viz. Optimistic (O), Pessimistic (P), and Most Likely (M).
The three point estimation can also be done by using simple average formula.
PERT (Program Evaluation and Review Technique) is based on beta distribution technique whereas simple average is based on the triangular distribution technique. The above mean formulas are close approximations of the beta and triangular distribution calculations.
Historically, 3-point estimation originated from PERT. Apart from the duration estimation, these formulas can be used for doing cost and resource estimation also.
Let us understand the definitions, differences, and other details of 3-point estimating methods using a few examples.
Note: If you are preparing for the PMP exam then you should remember that the PMBOK Guide does not use the term PERT – it uses beta distribution.
1. PERT Formula – Three Point Estimating Using Beta Distribution
PERT formula in three point estimating method uses 3 different estimates of a task. It calculates statistical mean of these values to find out the expected value of the task.
The 3 values that are used to determine the expected value are:
- Optimistic Value (O): best case scenario
- Pessimistic Value (P): worst case scenario
- Most Likely Value (M): realistic scenario
PERT formula calculates a weighted average (mean) of the above three values.
The above weighted average formula is an approximation of the beta distribution equation.
Why do they have 4 Weights for M in PERT Formula?
PERT formula is based on probability theory and statistics. Specifically PERT is based on beta distribution.
PERT was initially developed by US Navy to take care of scheduling uncertainties. The formula mentioned above is a close approximation of mean found by the beta distribution equation.
PERT Example and Calculation
Let us consider an example to see how PERT formula works. Let us assume that we have to estimate the time it takes to go from point A to B. There could be 3 different scenario for going from point A to B.
Optimistic Scenario – Roads are free of any traffic congestion and we will not encounter any red signals.
Pessimistic Scenario – There are serious traffic bottlenecks (may be due to a major accident) and we will have to make unscheduled stops (may be due to vehicle breakdown).
Most Likely Scenario – There would be regular traffic conditions.
Let us assume that we evaluated analyzed the three scenarios and arrived at the following 3 estimates:
- Optimistic Value (O): 45 minutes
- Pessimistic Value (P): 225 minutes
- Most Likely Value (M): 90 minutes
Putting these values in the formula, we get
It essentially means that, in most cases, the trip will take 105 minutes or less.
In order to improve the accuracy further, you can apply standard deviation to determine a range of estimates. You can read my article on PERT and standard deviation to know more.
2. Simple Average Formula – Three Point Estimating Using Triangular Distribution
In this case, the mean of three estimated values is determined by the following formula.
Example and Calculation
Let’s use the same three values from the above example and put them in the triangular distribution formula.
It essentially means that, in most cases, the trip will require 120 minutes or less.
In order to improve the accuracy further, you can apply standard deviation to determine a range of estimates. You can read my article on triangular distribution and standard deviation to know more.
Why is Three Point Estimating Required?
Three point estimating is useful for mitigating project risks.
Risks are inherent in every project. Many of the risks occur due poor estimation. 3-Point Estimate helps in reducing such project risk.
In single point estimating, a single value of task estimate is determined, which could be inaccurate for the complex tasks.
The accuracy of a single point estimate can be improved by finding three different values. These values helps us in establishing a range, which reduces the estimation risk and improves confidence.
You would have noticed that PERT estimate was more closer to ‘Most Likely’ value. Some Project Managers believe that PERT Estimate yields better results that triangular distribution but I am yet to see a definitive research suggesting this.
Estimation is one of the most basic concepts of Project Management. In fact poor and improper estimation is one of the main causes of challenged projects.
There are many ways for finding out estimates. Some of these estimation techniques are specific to an industrial domain like software size estimation techniques while other techniques can be applied to any kind of projects (or daily life activities). Three point estimating should be used for tasks that are fairly complex in nature and a single point estimation can go wrong.
3-point estimation can be used for estimating duration, cost or number of resources required for a task. A task could be a work package or activity or even an entire project.
As a next step, you should apply standard deviation on PERT formula and understand how PERT can be used along with CPM. PERT and CPM (Critical Path Method) are often used together to determine a less risky project schedule.
A note on PMP® Exam
PMP exam has many formula based questions. Some of these questions are based on 3-Point Estimate. Many of these questions can be solved by using either PERT formula or Simple Average formula. Usually these questions are relatively easy to solve. The underlying concept, itself, is very simple. However, I have observed many PMP Aspirants get confused by this topic. During PMP Exam training, many students ask questions like “Is 3-point estimation same as PERT?”, “Why are there 2 different formulas for arriving at 3-Point estimate?”, “Which formula should be used to solve the questions in the PMP exam?” et. el.
I believe this confusion comes mainly due to the different terminology used by different Project Management authors. My humble suggestion is that if you are a PMP® Aspirant then you should follow terminology from PMBOK Guide. All others sources of the information like books, websites and blogs (including this one) should be read with a bit of skepticism. You should follow other sources only if you find the information contained in these sources is conformant with the PMBOK Guide.
I believe, both PMP aspirants and Project Management practitioners should use PMBOK Guide to understand Project Management Terminology. PMI is trying to standardize Project Management terminology. Many experts from various different areas have contributed content for PMBOK Guide. The Guide is thoroughly reviewed before it is published. It is also updated with current trend and latest developments in Project Management.
Over To You
Which formula do you use to determine 3-Point Estimate in your projects? Why do use one method over the other? Please leave a comment.
PMP Exam Formulas
I have also compiled a PMP Formulas Cheat Sheet. It contains 45 formulas and 57 abbrviations. It will help you in your exam prep. It is the best and most comprehensive cheat sheet based on the PMBOK Guide 6th edition. You can download it free of cost for your studies.
If you are looking beyond a cheat sheet, then I would suggest you to buy detailed PMP Exam Formula Study Guide by Cornelius Fichtner. It contains detailed explanations of all the formulas along with examples and 105 practice questions.
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