How to set issue estimates in Linear
Turn on estimates for your Linear team, then open an issue and set its point value from the Properties panel so you can plan team capacity.
Quick answer
To set an issue estimate in Linear, first choose an estimate scale such as Fibonacci under Issue estimation in your team's Estimates settings. Then open an issue, click Set estimate in the Properties panel, and pick a value such as 3 Points. The estimate then appears on the issue.
Steps at a glance
- Open the team's Estimates settings
- Choose a scale under Issue estimation
- Open the issue you want to estimate
- Click Set estimate in Properties
- Pick a value such as 3 Points
- Check the estimate on the issue
Interactive demo
Summary
Estimates let you record how much effort an issue needs, using a scale your team chooses. Linear shows the estimate in the issue's Properties panel, so everyone can compare the size of work at a glance.
Step-by-step guide
Step 1
Choose an estimate scale for the team
Open your team's Estimates settings and find Issue estimation. Choose a scale from the list, such as Fibonacci (1, 2, 3, 5, 8 Points). The page also offers Allow zero estimates, Extended estimate scale, and Count unestimated issues.
Step 2
Open the issue to estimate
Go back to your team's issue list and click the issue you want to size, for example Set up your teams. The issue opens with its details and a Properties panel on the right.
Step 3
Open the estimate field
In the Properties panel, click Set estimate. It sits below Assign. A menu opens with the values from your chosen scale.
Step 4
Pick a point value
Choose the value that matches the effort, for example 3 Points. The menu also lists No estimate, 1 Point, 2 Points, 5 Points, and 8 Points.
Step 5
Check the estimate on the issue
The Properties panel now shows 3 Points in place of Set estimate. The activity feed records that the estimate was set, so your team can see when it changed.
Why this matters
You are planning the next sprint and cannot tell which issues are small and which are large. Setting estimates gives each issue a point value, so you can compare the size of work and decide what fits your team's capacity.
Frequently asked questions
Which estimate scales can I choose?
Open Issue estimation in your team's Estimates settings and pick a scale from the list. Fibonacci gives you 1, 2, 3, 5, and 8 Points.
Can I remove an estimate?
Yes. Open Set estimate on the issue again and choose No estimate from the menu.
Related guides
Continue with more step-by-step guides for getting work done.
How to set issue priority in LinearSet the priority of a Linear issue from the Properties panel, choosing Urgent, High, Medium, or Low so your team knows what to work on first.
How to assign an issue in LinearAssign a Linear issue to a teammate from the Properties panel: open the issue, click Assign, pick a name, and confirm who now owns the work.
How to add comments to issues in LinearLearn how to add a comment to a Linear issue: open the issue, click the comment box under Activity, write your note, and post it with Submit comment.
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