Abstract: An adaptable resource estimating system operates on a computer system and uses a highly flexible parametric rule. The parametric rule receives values, including values relating to each of a software project type, a software lifecycle, and a software standard. More particularly, a user chooses a software project type from a set of available software project types, a software lifecycle from a set of available software lifecycles, and a software standard from a set of available software standards. The chosen project type, lifecycle, and standard may be related or unrelated, and may be changed independent of the others. Responsive to choosing the project type, the lifecycle, and the standard, the adaptable resource estimating system sets values in the parametric rule. The parametric rule executes and resource estimates are prepared regarding resource utilization for the particular chosen project type, lifecycle, and standard.