Defect Detection Rate

Manpreet Buttar
2 min readJul 4, 2023

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The defect detection rate is a metric that indicates the effectiveness of the testing process in identifying defects or issues in the software. Here are some benefits of measuring and improving the defect detection rate:

  1. Early Identification of Issues
  2. Enhanced Software Quality
  3. Cost and Time Savings
  4. Improved User Satisfaction
  5. Risk Mitigation
  6. Continuous Improvement

Here’s a sample UAT defect detection rate calculation:

Total Defects Detected during UAT: 15 Total Test Cases Executed during UAT: 50

Defect Detection Rate = (Total Defects Detected / Total Test Cases Executed) * 100

Defect Detection Rate = (15 / 50) * 100 = 30%

In this example, during UAT, a total of 15 defects were detected from the execution of 50 test cases. The defect detection rate is calculated by dividing the total number of defects detected by the total number of test cases executed, and then multiplying the result by 100 to get the percentage. In this case, the defect detection rate is 30%.

Please note that the defect detection rate can vary based on the project, organization, and specific UAT execution. This sample calculation provides a basic understanding of how to calculate the defect detection rate during UAT.

Generally a higher defect detection rate is desirable in UAT as it indicates that more issues are being identified and addressed before the software is released to end-users. The goal of UAT is to uncover and resolve as many defects as possible to ensure a high-quality and user-friendly software product.

It is important to note that a defect detection rate of 100% is not realistic or achievable in most cases. Some defects may still slip through, even with comprehensive testing efforts. The focus should be on continuously improving the defect detection rate over time and striving for a rate that is reasonable and feasible for the project.

The appropriate defect detection rate for UAT may vary based on the project’s specific needs, industry standards, and stakeholder expectations. It is important for project teams to establish realistic goals and targets for defect detection based on their unique context and project requirements. Regular monitoring and analysis of the defect detection rate can help identify areas for improvement and ensure that UAT is effective in identifying and resolving critical issues.

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