The COCOMO model estimates the effort required for software projects in terms of person-months. It exists in three forms - basic, intermediate, and advanced. The basic model computes effort as a function of lines of code, while the intermediate model considers additional cost drivers like product attributes, hardware attributes, personal attributes, and project attributes. These attributes receive ratings that adjust the effort multiplier. The advanced COCOMO is an empirically derived model that requires extensive parameter calibration. All forms provide estimates of effort, schedule, and staff required for a software project.