Example Data Table
Sample inputs and outcomes to demonstrate typical scoring and prioritization.
| Task | Hours | Hourly Value | Direct Cost | Benefit PV | ROI % | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automate weekly report | 3.0 | $45 | $0 | $540 | 300 | Excellent ROI |
| Declutter inbox workflow | 2.0 | $30 | $15 | $150 | 75 | Strong ROI |
| Rewrite project brief | 4.0 | $40 | $0 | $130 | -19 | Low ROI |
Formula Used
1) Total Cost
Total Cost = (Task Hours + Opportunity Hours) × Hourly Value + Direct Cost
2) Present Value of Benefits (PV)
Weekly Rate = (1 + Annual Rate)^(1/52) − 1
One-time PV = (One-time Benefit + Time Saved × Hourly Value) ÷ (1 + Weekly Rate)^(Delay Weeks)
Recurring PV = Weekly Benefit × (1 − (1 + Weekly Rate)^(-Horizon Weeks)) ÷ Weekly Rate ÷ (1 + Weekly Rate)^(Delay Weeks)
3) Risk-adjusted Expected Benefit
Expected Benefit (PV) = (One-time PV + Recurring PV) × (Success Probability ÷ 100)
4) ROI
ROI (%) = (Expected Benefit (PV) − Total Cost) ÷ Total Cost × 100
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter a clear task name and choose a category.
- Estimate time you will spend, including displaced high-value time.
- Set an hourly value that represents your real opportunity cost.
- Add direct costs and expected benefits, including weekly recurring value.
- Enter success probability and any delay to benefit realization.
- Choose a discount rate to penalize delayed benefits realistically.
- Click Estimate ROI to see results above the form.
- Use CSV or PDF export to share and compare tasks.
FAQs
1) What does “risk-adjusted” mean here?
Benefits are multiplied by your success probability. Costs are assumed certain. This makes uncertain tasks look less attractive unless upside is large.
2) What hourly value should I use?
Use your billable rate, salary-based hourly cost, or the value of time you protect for high-impact work. Consistency matters more than perfection.
3) How should I estimate time saved?
Count hours you will avoid in the horizon after finishing. Include repeats like weekly reporting. If unsure, start conservative and rerun scenarios.
4) Why include a delay and discount rate?
A delay pushes benefits into the future. Discounting reduces the present value of those benefits, helping you prefer tasks that pay back sooner.
5) What if my task has only a one-time benefit?
Set recurring weekly benefit to zero and enter one-time benefit and time saved. The model will still discount for delay and risk-adjust with probability.
6) How do I interpret the benefit/cost ratio?
A ratio above 1.0 means expected benefits exceed costs. Higher ratios indicate stronger prioritization candidates when time and resources are limited.
7) Why can break-even show “N/A”?
Break-even uses recurring weekly benefits. If you do not enter a weekly recurring value, there is no weekly stream to estimate a payback period.
8) Can I use this for team tasks?
Yes. Use total team hours and a blended hourly value. Add direct costs and shared benefits. Probability can reflect coordination and delivery risk.