Making accurate estimates [software development estimation]

Whenever I'm asked to recommend estimation methods and techniques, I always point to 12 issues you must consider in making accurate estimates, independent of the method, tool, or technique used. Satisfy these conditions and, as the article shows, your chances of making accurate estimates using your method or tool of choice will improve significantly. Violate one or more of them, however, and you'll run a significant risk of making inaccurate estimates regardless of the method or technique you've used.