A Fibonacci scale comprises an exponential series of numbers, in which each number in the series is the sum of the previous two numbers, for example: 0, 1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21. In business and software applications, Fibonacci scales can be used by project managers, agile teams or any team memberto estimate how long a given task might take.

Project managers commonly use the Fibonacci sequence in agile environments. Because the Fibonacci sequence increases exponentially, it’s helpful for calculating a complex task—which frequently progresses in a non-linear fashion.

In business models that prioritize individual interactions and evolving preferences over fixed plans and contracts, an agile Fibonacci sequence is the perfect tool for documenting key points as well as creating an estimation process based on the effort required to see each step through. An agile Fibonacci scale example organizes these newly occurring tasks by effort and risk to establish a clear resolution process and accurate estimation of the timeline at play.

Fibonacci agile estimation method starts with a list of tasks to plot. Gather your team and discuss the various steps in your next project. Then, label the y-axis on your Fibonacci scale template with “risk” and the x-axis with “effort.” Each axis also contains Fibonacci numbers up to 21. Plot out the minimal tasks beginning at a risk and effort level of one and expand outward to medium and complex tasks. Once you’ve plotted your list of tasks, you’ll have a visual representation of the work to complete.

To reduce the effort and the risk that comes with diagramming, get started with FigJam’s free, customizable Fibonacci scale example.