Hey, how long will this task take?

A PM walks up to a developer and asks, "Can you build this feature? When will it be done?"

The developer pauses. If they say “I don’t know”—that’s the start of chaos. Unclear deadlines, misaligned expectations, and pressure build up. But if they estimate properly, everyone wins.

So, how do you estimate a front-end task like a pro? ??

1. Break down the task

Instead of estimating a big feature, divide it into smaller parts. Example for a modal:

a. Create modal structure

b. Implement open/close logic

c. Add animations

d. Ensure accessibility (focus trapping, keyboard events)

e. Write tests

f. Apply styles

2. Identify complexity

Not all tasks are equal. Use a simple scale:

?? Small (1-2 hours): Minor UI tweaks, text updates

?? Medium (3-6 hours): New component, API integration

?? Large (1+ days): Complex logic, state management, performance optimizations

3. Consider external factors

PMs love fixed deadlines, but unexpected issues happen:

?? Dependencies – Does this rely on API changes or other teams?

?? Uncertainties – Any browser quirks, accessibility concerns?

?? Testing & QA – Does it need cross-browser testing, mobile responsiveness checks?

4. Use estimation technique

? T-Shirt Sizing – S, M, L, XL based on effort

? Story Points (Agile) – Fibonacci scale (1, 2, 3, 5, 8) for complexity

? Three-Point Estimation –

a. Best-case: 2 hours

b. Worst-case: 6 hours

c. Most likely: 4 hours

Final estimate = (2 + 4 + 6) / 3 = 4 hours

5. Add buffer

?? Always include 20-30% extra time for unexpected blockers. If you estimate 5 hours, make it 6-7 hours for safety.

6. Review & Adjust

1. Get feedback from teammates

2. Compare with past similar tasks

3. Adjust based on experience

Now, when the PM asks again, the developer can confidently say: "This will take around 6-7 hours, considering complexities and testing."

?? Clear expectations, better planning, and fewer surprises!

How do you estimate your front-end tasks? Share your thoughts! ??