Feature Prioritization RICE Score
Score individual features with Reach, Impact, Confidence, and Effort for backlog ranking. Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
RICE Score = (Reach × Impact × Confidence%) / Effort
Reach is users affected per quarter. Impact is 0.25-3 scale. Confidence is 0-100% certainty. Effort is person-weeks. Higher scores indicate higher priority features.
Worked Examples
Example 1: E-commerce Search Improvement
Problem:Reach: 50,000 users/quarter (all searchers). Impact: 2 (High - doubles conversion). Confidence: 70% (A/B test suggested). Effort: 4 person-weeks.
Solution:RICE = (Reach × Impact × Confidence) / Effort\nRICE = (50,000 × 2 × 0.70) / 4\nRICE = 70,000 / 4\nRICE = 17,500\n\nThis is a very high score because:\n- Large reach (50K users)\n- High impact (2x conversion)\n- Decent confidence (70%)\n- Moderate effort (4 weeks)\n\nRecommendation: High priority, schedule for next sprint.
Result:RICE: 17,500 | Critical Priority | Ship next sprint
Example 2: Mobile Push Notifications
Problem:Reach: 20,000 (mobile users). Impact: 0.5 (Low - minor engagement bump). Confidence: 80%. Effort: 2 person-weeks.
Solution:RICE = (20,000 × 0.5 × 0.80) / 2\nRICE = 8,000 / 2\nRICE = 4,000\n\nModerate score because:\n- Good reach\n- Low impact (only 0.5)\n- High confidence\n- Low effort\n\nEffort-adjusted: Good ROI despite low impact.\nConsider if mobile engagement is strategic priority.
Result:RICE: 4,000 | High Priority | Good effort-to-impact ratio
Example 3: Enterprise SSO Integration
Problem:Reach: 500 (enterprise accounts). Impact: 3 (Massive - required for deals). Confidence: 90%. Effort: 6 person-weeks.
Solution:RICE = (500 × 3 × 0.90) / 6\nRICE = 1,350 / 6\nRICE = 225\n\nLow score despite massive impact because:\n- Small reach (only 500 accounts)\n- High effort (6 weeks)\n\nBUT: Strategic consideration\n- May unlock $500K ARR in blocked deals\n- Revenue per account high\n\nRICE undervalues revenue-driving features.\nAdjust with business impact multiplier or use separate enterprise prioritization.
Result:RICE: 225 | Low Score BUT strategic | Consider revenue impact separately
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the RICE scoring model?
RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) is a prioritization framework developed by Intercom. Score = (Reach × Impact × Confidence%) / Effort. Higher scores indicate features worth building first.
What's a good RICE score?
Depends on your scale. Compare relative scores within your feature list. Scores vary widely by Reach (company size matters). Focus on ranking rather than absolute numbers.
How does RICE compare to other frameworks?
RICE is more quantitative than MoSCoW or Kano. ICE (similar but no Reach) is simpler. WSJF (Weighted Shortest Job First) is SAFe's version. RICE suits product teams with usage data.
What are RICE limitations?
Limitations: subjective inputs, doesn't capture dependencies, ignores strategic fit, and can favor incremental over transformational. Use alongside qualitative judgment and strategy alignment.