ICE Score Calculator
Stop wasting time debating which features to build next. Score your product ideas on Impact, Confidence, and Ease instantly to identify high-value initiatives
ICE Score
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What is ICE Scoring?
ICE score is a simple prioritisation method that evaluates ideas using three criteria:
Impact – How much will this move your key metrics?
Confidence – How certain are you about your estimates?
Ease – How simple is this to build?
Score each factor from 1 to 10, calculate the average, and you've got your ICE score. Higher scores = higher priority. It's that straightforward.
Why Product Teams Choose ICE
Unlike complex frameworks that require endless analysis, ICE gives you clarity in minutes. You're not drowning in spreadsheets or debating formulas, just three questions, three scores, done.
The method works because it balances ambition with reality. That "game-changing" feature might score high on impact, but if you are only 30% confident and it takes six months to build, the ICE score reveals the truth.
Stop Building the Wrong Things
Your backlog is overflowing. Stakeholders are pushing their pet projects. Your team's debating what to build next, again. Sound familiar?
Here's the reality: every hour spent on the wrong feature is time you'll never recover. The ICE scoring framework cuts through the noise and helps you prioritise with confidence.
How to Use the ICE Calculator
Score the Impact (1-10)
Ask: If this succeeds, how much will it improve our target metric?
1-3: Minor improvement, affects few users
4-7: Noticeable impact, solid value
8-10: Transformative, game-changing results
Think about your north star metric. Will this boost conversions? Reduce churn? Be honest about the real potential.
Evaluate Your Confidence (1-10)
Reality check time. How sure are you about that impact?
1-3: Just a hunch, minimal data
4-7: Reasonable assumptions, some evidence
8-10: Strong validation, backed by research
This prevents you from chasing shiny objects based on gut feelings instead of facts.
Assess the Ease (1-10)
How much effort will this actually take?
1-3: Complex, months of work
4-7: Moderate scope, manageable
8-10: Quick win, ships fast
Consider development time, dependencies, and team capacity. A feature requiring six months might have less value than three quick wins in the same timeframe.
How to Use the ICE Calculator
Score the Impact (1-10)
Ask: If this succeeds, how much will it improve our target metric?
1-3: Minor improvement, affects few users
4-7: Noticeable impact, solid value
8-10: Transformative, game-changing results
Think about your north star metric. Will this boost conversions? Reduce churn? Be honest about the real potential.
Evaluate Your Confidence (1-10)
Reality check time. How sure are you about that impact?
1-3: Just a hunch, minimal data
4-7: Reasonable assumptions, some evidence
8-10: Strong validation, backed by research
This prevents you from chasing shiny objects based on gut feelings instead of facts.
Assess the Ease (1-10)
How much effort will this actually take?
1-3: Complex, months of work
4-7: Moderate scope, manageable
8-10: Quick win, ships fast
Consider development time, dependencies, and team capacity. A feature requiring six months might have less value than three quick wins in the same timeframe.
Calculate Your Score
ICE Score = (Impact + Confidence + Ease) / 3
Some teams multiply instead: I × C × E. This emphasises balance; one high score can't mask two low ones. Choose what fits your style.
Real Example
Feature A: Advanced Analytics
Impact: 8, Confidence: 4, Ease: 3
ICE Score: 5.0
Feature B: One-Click Export
Impact: 7, Confidence: 9, Ease: 8
ICE Score: 8.0
Feature B wins. Solid value, high certainty, ships fast. You'll learn from real usage quickly, then tackle bigger bets.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1.
Scoring Without Data – Don't guess. Check analytics, talk to customers, and review past projects before scoring.
2.
Letting One Factor Dominate – A feature might have a huge impact, but if confidence is low and ease is terrible, it's probably not next.
3.
Scoring Alone – Get your team involved. When everyone scores independently and then discusses differences, you uncover blind spots.
4.
Forgetting to Update – Your first score isn't permanent. As you learn more, revisit your numbers.
When ICE Scoring Works Best
Use ICE when you're:
Comparing similar feature requests
Breaking through team disagreements
Making quick decisions without analysis paralysis
Working with limited resources
Ensure consistency in time units throughout calculations
When ICE Is not Enough
No framework is perfect. ICE excels at tactical decisions but has limits:
Strategic bets might need deeper analysis
Very different project types are hard to compare fairly.
Team capacity isn't factored in.
For complex scenarios, combine ICE with other methods like RICE (adding Reach) or weighted scoring.
Tips for Better Scores
Be consistent. If "moderate impact" is a 5 for one feature, use the same benchmark for others.
Create guidelines. Define what each number means for your team to stay aligned.
Track accuracy. After shipping, did features perform as expected? Use this to calibrate future scores.
Don't overthink it. ICE should be quick. If you're debating whether something's a 6 or 7 for an hour, you're missing the point.
Make ICE Scoring Stick
The hardest part isn't learning the method; it's building the habit:
Score new ideas when they enter your backlog
Review scores during weekly planning
Share ICE scores in roadmap presentations
Celebrate when high-ICE features perform well
Start Making Smarter Decisions.
The calculator above gives you instant clarity on what to build next. No endless debates. No stakeholder gridlock. Just clear, data-informed decisions.
Try scoring your top three ideas right now. You might be surprised by what deserves attention, and what doesn't belong on your roadmap.
Remember: the best product teams don't build everything. They build the right things. ICE scoring helps you figure out what "right" actually means.
FAQ
1. ICE vs RICE – What's the difference?
RICE adds "Reach" to measure how many users benefit. ICE is simpler and faster. It’s best to use RICE when scale matters and ICE when speed of prioritization is key.
2. Addition or multiplication for the formula?
Addition: (I+C+E)/3. Multiplication: I×C×E for balanced scoring. Both work—pick one. The choice depends on whether you prefer simplicity or a stricter balance between factors.
3. How often should I recalculate?
Update whenever you gain new information. Review your full backlog quarterly. Frequent recalculations prevent outdated priorities from slowing progress.
4. Can ICE work beyond product features?
Yes. Marketing campaigns, sales strategies, and operational improvements all fit the framework. It’s a versatile model for any decision where impact, confidence, and effort matter.