Estimation is the process of predicting the resources and costs required to build a mobile application. This includes estimating the length of the app’s development cycle, developer hourly rate, and other operational costs like server costs, third-party APIs, design tools, and marketing expenses.

Why is app estimation important?

A well-defined app estimation provides several benefits, including:

• Informed decision-making. App estimation helps you understand the feasibility of your app idea and make informed decisions about its development, budget allocation, and potential return on investment.
• Project planning and budgeting. Estimating development time and cost enables you to create a realistic project timeline and allocate resources effectively.
• Investor relations. If you’re seeking funding for your app, a well-developed estimation builds trust and credibility with potential investors. A well-estimated app development cost estimate goes well with prototypes in attracting investors. Roamni is one of the many innovative startups that attracted investments through creating prototypes.
• Managing expectations. Setting realistic expectations with stakeholders and developers regarding timelines and costs avoids unnecessary surprises and facilitates the project.

Despite having many benefits, app estimates are rarely perfect. There are factors that can introduce uncertainty, such as:

• Scope creep. As the development progresses, new features or functionalities might arise, potentially impacting the initial estimation.
• Technological changes. Emerging innovations or unexpected technical challenges can necessitate adjustments to the estimated time and cost.
• Development team experience. The expertise and skill level of the development team can significantly influence the development time and cost. For instance, Appetiser Apps has accumulated enough knowledge and experience to develop quality apps 50% faster than the industry average.

Based on these limitations, it’s crucial to approach app estimation with a flexible mindset and strategic investor-relations management to make adjustments as needed throughout the development process.