Coverage
Coverage is the degree to which specified items have been exercised or evaluated during testing.
“The degree to which specified coverage items are exercised by a test suite, expressed as a percentage.”
(Definition reproduced from the ISTQB Glossary. Copyright belongs to ISTQB.)
View the complete ISTQB GlossaryWhat is Coverage?
Coverage provides a measurable indication of how much of a product, requirement, structure, or risk has been tested relative to defined objectives.
Measurement: Coverage is expressed as a percentage of covered items.
Different types: Examples include statement, branch, requirement, and risk coverage.
Testing value: Coverage helps identify gaps in testing activities.
Real World Example
A tax calculation module applies different deductions depending on income band, residency status, and submitted documents.
Reviewing the final tax amount is not enough when important code paths may never execute during testing. Coverage helps the tester reason about the structure behind the result.
The tester works with the developer to identify decisions or paths in the calculation logic and designs inputs that exercise the meaningful alternatives.
The team gains better evidence about hidden logic because Coverage connects tests to the implementation structure where certain defects can hide.
Practice Questions
Question 1
Which statement BEST describes Coverage in the context of ISTQB terminology?
Question 2
A tester needs to explain Coverage to a non‑technical stakeholder. Which approach is MOST appropriate?
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