Metrics
A metric is a tool for measuring the progress of a project. The primary purpose of a metric is to enable you to monitor and communicate project status.
There are no standard metrics that apply to all projects. You must determine your sponsor's preferred metrics and choose the most appropriate metrics for your project.
Metrics must relate to something that can be tracked and measured. In most cases, you will be measuring actual results and comparing them with planned results; for example, measuring test cases actually completed and comparing them with test cases planned to be completed by this time.
Good metrics must have other characteristics too. They must be planned for, they must span the life of the project, and they must be understood by the sponsor, the team, and the project manager. Some examples of metrics are: