---
title: How does the RICE Scoring Model help in prioritising Product Backlog items?
description: "The RICE Scoring Model is a systematic approach to prioritising [Product Backlog](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/a-scrum-artifact-that-consists-of-an-ordered-list-of-the-work-to-be-done-in-order-to-create-maintain-and-sustain-a-product-managed-by-the-product-owner/) items based on four criteria: Reach, Impact, Confidence, and Effort. Reach measures how many users a [Feature](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/feature/) will impact within a specific timeframe, while Impact assesses the significance…"
url: "https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/docs/how-does-the-rice-scoring-model-help-in-prioritising-product-backlog-items/"
updated: "2024-12-19"
category: Artifacts / Product Backlog
---

# How does the RICE Scoring Model help in prioritising Product Backlog items?

The RICE Scoring Model is a systematic approach to prioritising [Product Backlog](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/a-scrum-artifact-that-consists-of-an-ordered-list-of-the-work-to-be-done-in-order-to-create-maintain-and-sustain-a-product-managed-by-the-product-owner/) items based on four criteria: Reach, Impact, Confidence, and Effort. Reach measures how many users a [Feature](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/feature/) will impact within a specific timeframe, while Impact assesses the significance of the effect on those users, typically using a scale of minimal to high impact. Confidence indicates the certainty of the Reach and Impact estimates, often expressed as a percentage.

Effort evaluates the amount of work required to complete the PBI, usually estimated in person-months or other units of work. By multiplying Reach by Impact and Confidence, and then dividing by Effort, a RICE score is calculated for each PBI. This score helps teams prioritise items by highlighting those that promise significant benefits with manageable efforts, ensuring a balanced and efficient approach to backlog ordering.