Estimate how long a task will take
Works with ChatGPT · Claude
Get a realistic time estimate by breaking a task into steps.
The problem
We underestimate work because we picture the best case and skip the messy parts.
What this skill does
AI splits the task into steps, estimates each, and adds buffer for the usual surprises.
When to use it
- Use before committing to a deadline you'll be held to.
Juni’s tip
Juni says: add the buffer before you say yes, not after you're late.
The prompt
Try it live
Fill in the blanks — your ready-to-use prompt builds as you type.
Weak vs. better
how long will this take
Break this task into steps and estimate it: [task]. For each step give optimistic/realistic/pessimistic times, total them, and call out the 2 steps most likely to run over.
Why this works
Estimating step-by-step with a pessimistic case beats one gut-feel number for the whole task.
Practice task
Pick a task you owe someone and estimate it in steps before you promise a date.
Self-check
- The task is broken into estimable steps
- Each step has a range, not a single number
- The riskiest steps are identified
Common mistakes to avoid
- Estimating the whole task as one lump
- Using only the best-case time
- Ignoring review, waiting, and rework time
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