ISO IEC 20926-2009 PDF

Full title and description

Software and systems engineering — Software measurement — IFPUG functional size measurement method 2009. This International Standard specifies the definitions, rules and steps for applying the IFPUG (International Function Point Users Group) functional size measurement (FSM) method, providing a standardized procedure for measuring functional size of software systems for estimation, benchmarking and contract purposes.

Abstract

ISO/IEC 20926:2009 defines the 2009 IFPUG functional size measurement method, including counting rules, function types and the measurement process. It is conformant with the mandatory provisions of ISO/IEC 14143-1:2007 and is intended to be applicable across all functional domains; it is also convertible to prior IFPUG sizing editions. The document is a concise, normative reference for practitioners applying IFPUG function point analysis.

General information

• Status: Published / Current (confirmed at five-year review stage).
• Publication date: December 2009 (implementation/availability noted 24 November 2009 / publication month Dec 2009).
• Publisher: ISO/IEC (prepared under ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 7 — Software and systems engineering).
• ICS / categories: 35.080 (Software).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (Measurement Method 2009).
• Number of pages: 24 pages (official ISO edition length).

Scope

This standard specifies the set of definitions, measurement rules and procedural steps required to perform IFPUG functional size measurement (function point counting) using the 2009 IFPUG method. It sets out how to identify and count the five primary function point types, apply complexity and data-element rules, handle boundary and transactional considerations, and produce a consistent functional size result suitable for estimation, productivity analysis, contract measurement and benchmarking across different application domains. The standard also ensures conformance with ISO/IEC 14143-1:2007.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and terminology for IFPUG functional size measurement (FSM).
• Identification and counting rules for the five function point types: Internal Logical Files (ILF), External Interface Files (EIF), External Inputs (EI), External Outputs (EO) and External Inquiries (EQ).
• Complexity classification rules and data-element counting principles used to determine function point values.
• Procedure for establishing measurement boundaries, handling transactions, and applying counting conventions consistently.
• Conformance requirements to ISO/IEC 14143-1 and guidance on converting or aligning prior IFPUG editions to the 2009 method.
• Use cases for measurement, reporting of results, and guidance for practitioners to ensure repeatability and reproducibility of counts.

Typical use and users

Primary users are software measurement practitioners, function point analysts, project managers, estimators, quality and process improvement teams, procurement and contracting officers, and organizations performing productivity benchmarking or outsourcing/vendor performance measurement. The standard is used when objective, repeatable functional size measures are required for estimation, scope definition, contractual measurement, benchmarking and historical productivity analysis.

Related standards

Normative and related documents include ISO/IEC 14143-1:2007 (functional size measurement concepts — normative provisions to which this standard conforms) and previous editions of ISO/IEC 20926 (for example ISO/IEC 20926:2003, which this edition replaces). It is also commonly considered alongside other software measurement standards and methods (for example COSMIC and related ISO measurement guidance) when organizations compare functional size measurement approaches.

Keywords

IFPUG, function point, functional size measurement (FSM), software measurement, function point analysis, ISO/IEC 20926, software estimation, measurement rules, ILF, EIF, EI, EO, EQ.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 20926:2009 is the International Standard that specifies the IFPUG functional size measurement method (Measurement Method 2009), providing the rules and procedures for counting function points.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers definitions, counting rules, complexity classification, measurement boundaries, and the procedural steps needed to produce consistent function point counts that conform to ISO/IEC 14143-1:2007. It is applicable across all functional domains.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Function point analysts, software estimators, project managers, procurement and contract managers, benchmarking and process-improvement teams, and organizations that require standardized functional sizing for estimation, contracting or performance analysis.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: ISO/IEC 20926:2009 is the second edition (Measurement Method 2009) that replaced ISO/IEC 20926:2003. At the time of publication it was confirmed as the current edition; users should check their national or ISO catalog for any later reconfirmation, amendment or withdrawal beyond the 2009 edition.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the ISO/IEC software measurement and functional size measurement family and is explicitly aligned with ISO/IEC 14143 series (functional size measurement concepts and requirements). It also forms part of the broader set of software engineering and measurement standards maintained by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 7.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: IFPUG, function point, functional size measurement, FSM, software measurement, function point analysis, counting rules, ILF, EIF, EI, EO, EQ.