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cost-estimation

Compute project cost ranges using PERT, bottom-up, and analogous methods.

1|Updated Nov 29, 2025
Search Tags:#estimation#cost#sensitivity#contingency#bottom-up#PERT#range
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/SSiertsema/claude-code-plugins --skill cost-estimation
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent▼
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: cost-estimation
Source: https://github.com/SSiertsema/claude-code-plugins/tree/main/cost-estimation/skills/cost-estimation
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/SSiertsema/claude-code-plugins --skill cost-estimation

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Cost estimation often yields a single number, hiding uncertainty. This skill combines multiple estimation techniques (three-point, bottom-up, analogous, and parametric) to produce a defensible cost range with explicit confidence for a project, initiative, or feature.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Generates optimistic, most-likely, and pessimistic cost ranges using PERT formulas
  • Provides bottom-up cost breakdown by category and a structured work breakdown
  • Performs sensitivity analysis on top drivers and offers contingency recommendations
  • Produces Mermaid diagrams for cost breakdown and range comparison

Quick Start

Use a subject and scope to run a cost-estimation workflow and obtain a defensible cost range with documented assumptions.

Frequently Asked Questions about cost-estimation

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I estimate project costs with a defensible range instead of a single number?▼

Cost estimation combines three-point PERT, bottom-up, and analogous methods to generate optimistic, most-likely, and pessimistic cost ranges. This bounded approach exposes uncertainty and produces defensible estimates with explicit confidence levels.

What is the best way to perform sensitivity analysis on project cost drivers?▼

Sensitivity analysis identifies top cost drivers within your project estimate and calculates their impact on the total range. It pairs with structured contingency recommendations to quantify risk exposure across optimistic, most-likely, and pessimistic scenarios.

How do I calculate a PERT cost estimate for a project feature?▼

PERT estimation calculates a weighted average from optimistic, most-likely, and pessimistic cost inputs to produce a bounded range. Applying this alongside bottom-up and analogous methods yields a defensible estimate with explicit assumptions labeled.

Can I generate a bottom-up cost breakdown by category for an initiative?▼

Bottom-up estimation aggregates detailed costs into category breakdowns and a structured work breakdown. This process yields a comprehensive cost range comparison complete with Mermaid diagrams visualizing the cost distribution.

Does this cost estimation approach work for any project scale or scope?▼

Cost estimation applies to any identified project, initiative, or feature given a defined subject and scope. It produces defensible cost ranges, category breakdowns, and contingency analysis regardless of the specific scale.

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