Multiply reach by impact and confidence, then divide by effort. Compare only items scored with the same reach period, reach unit, impact scale, and effort unit.
- Confidence is entered as a percentage and converted to a decimal.
- A score has meaning only relative to consistently scored alternatives.
- Record the evidence and date behind every input before sharing a ranking.
Calculate a RICE score
Use the same units and time period for every initiative you compare.
Choose comparable inputs
Reach should count the same kind of exposure over the same period for every initiative. Impact should use one documented scale. Confidence should reflect the strength of evidence, not the team's enthusiasm. Effort should include the whole delivery team in one consistent unit.
Interpret the score
A higher score means more estimated impact per unit of effort under the assumptions entered. It does not represent probability of success, revenue, or customer value unless those ideas are explicitly reflected in the inputs. Compare the ranking with strategy, dependencies, and mandatory commitments before making a roadmap decision.
Example calculation
Relay's onboarding checklist reaches 1,200 users in a quarter, has high impact of 2, 80% confidence, and takes 3 person-months. Its score is 1,200 x 2 x 0.8 / 3 = 640.
Common mistakes
- Comparing monthly reach for one item with annual reach for another.
- Entering 80 instead of 80% and effectively multiplying the score by 100.
- Using calendar months for effort instead of total person-months.
- Publishing scores without the assumptions that produced them.
Check your understanding
Reach is 500, impact is 2, confidence is 60%, and effort is 4. What is the RICE score?
150, because 500 x 2 x 0.6 / 4 = 150.
Sources
- Intercom: RICE prioritizationReference for the formula and the impact and confidence scales.