Overview
RICE is a prioritization framework that calculates a score for each task or project based on four factors: Reach, Impact, Confidence, and Effort. This quantitative approach removes emotion from prioritization and helps make objective decisions about where to spend your time.
RICE Score = (Reach × Impact × Confidence) / Effort
Higher scores = higher priority
The Four Factors
Reach (Number of People/Tasks Affected)
- How many people will this benefit?
- How often will this be used?
- Personal: How many areas of life does this impact?
Scoring: Actual number or estimate
- Learning Python: 100 (affects all future projects)
- Organizing desk: 1 (affects only you, once)
- Improving morning routine: 365 (daily impact)
Impact (Degree of Effect)
- How much will this improve things?
- What's the magnitude of benefit?
Scoring Scale:
- 3 = Massive impact
- 2 = High impact
- 1 = Medium impact
- 0.5 = Low impact
- 0.25 = Minimal impact
Confidence (How Sure Are You?)
- How certain are you about Reach and Impact estimates?
- Based on data, research, or gut feeling?
Scoring Scale:
- 100% = High confidence (strong data)
- 80% = Medium confidence (some data)
- 50% = Low confidence (assumptions)
Effort (Time/Resources Required)
- How much time will this take?
- What resources are needed?
Scoring: Person-hours, days, or weeks
- 0.5 = Half day
- 1 = One day
- 5 = One week
- 20 = One month
Example Calculations
Task A: Learn Touch Typing
- Reach: 250 (work days per year)
- Impact: 2 (high - saves time daily)
- Confidence: 80%
- Effort: 20 (hours to learn)
- Score: (250 × 2 × 0.8) / 20 = 20
Task B: Reorganize Files
- Reach: 12 (times per year you search for files)
- Impact: 0.5 (low - minor convenience)
- Confidence: 100%
- Effort: 4 (hours)
- Score: (12 × 0.5 × 1.0) / 4 = 1.5
