11.5.1 Test-Case-Based Metrics

Test-case-based metrics focus on a large number of test cases and their respective states. They are used to control progress of the test activities with reference to the test (project) plan or its different versions. Here are some examples for metrics with absolute scales:

Number of planned test cases

Number of specified test cases

Number of created test procedures

Number of test script lines

And here are a couple of examples of test-case-based metrics with ratio scales:

Number of test cases with priority 1/number of planned test cases

Number of specified test cases/number of planned test cases

During the course of a test cycle there are many instances where new test cases must be developed in addition to those planned; for instance, if particular coverage targets cannot be reached with the available test cases.