RICE Scoring
A product prioritization framework using Reach, Impact, Confidence, and Effort to compare features on a single numeric score.
Full definition
RICE scoring is a prioritization framework popularized by Intercom. The formula is (Reach × Impact × Confidence) ÷ Effort. Reach is the number of users affected per time period, Impact is a 0.25–3 scale of business value, Confidence is the percentage certainty in your estimates, and Effort is total person-months. For AI features, the standard formula systematically over-rewards optimistic features. The fix is to square Confidence and add a Risk multiplier to Effort.
Frequently asked
What does RICE stand for?
Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort.
Is RICE good for AI features?
Standard RICE underweights uncertainty in AI estimates. Use a modified version that squares Confidence.