iMurphyCalc
((U+C+I) x (10-S))/20 x A x 1/(1-sin(F/10))
iMurphyCalc is a simple (and free) iOS application that allows one to input the attributes of the above formula for the purpose of determining the potential for “anything that can go wrong, will go wrong” with any given task or event.
Simply adjust the five sliders to reflect the situation to be evaluated and the application will instantly indicate the potential for calamity while performing the given task. To find out more about the formula itself try visiting Null Hypothesis: Sod’s Law: A Proof or by hitting up your favorite search engine with the phrases “Murphy’s Law” (or “Sod’s Law”) and “formula”. You’re bound to get a fair number of results.
It should also be noted that the above depicted formula may in fact not be the original formula from the original study. The original formula is most likely: (((U+C+I) * (1-S))/2) * A * (1/(1-SinF)) = probablity of Sod's Law Occuring however this application is actually based on the steps outlined from the Null Hypothesis page and is as follows:
How to calculate the Sod’s Law Rating of a task:
- Rate the urgency, importance and complexity of the task on a scale of 1 to 9 and add these figures together.
- Rate how skilled you are at the task. Subtract this from 10.
- Multiply your answers to steps 1 and 2 together and divide by 20.
- Rate from 1 to 9 how frequently you perform the task and divide this by 10.
- Calculate the sine value of your answer to step 4 (you’ll find this a ‘sin’ on most calculators) and subtract this from 1.
- Divide 1 by your answer to step 5.
- Finally, multiply your answer to step 3 by 0.7, and then multiply this by your answer to step 6. Voila – you have your Sod’s Law rating. The closer to 10 it is, the higher your risk of falling victim to Sod’s Law.
iMurphyCalc can be found at this iTunes link. The source code, artwork and data files are publicly available under a BSD license and hosted over at Github.
Enjoy!
