Cost per New Unit of Code

DEFINITION

Cost per new unit of code helps assess the cost-effectiveness of new development. Lower costs are generally better.

HOW IT’S MEASURED

Cost per new unit of code is calculated by taking the estimated development cost over a period (i.e. per week, month, or quarter) and dividing that value by the number of new units of code delivered over the same period.

Development cost ÷ new units of code

Development costs are calculated by multiplying a group’s cost per contributor by the count of developers and reviewers within the group. Cost calculations only include contributors who created or reviewed code in the last 90 days—to more precisely capture the costs associated with developing, reviewing, and delivering code.

The cost per contributor can be set at the group or organization level. You can configure costs in your organization’s settings and in group settings.