The ten-times-income rule is a starting point for a sales conversation, not an answer. Two people on the same salary can need very different cover.
Computing the number
Add outstanding loans, the cost of dependants until they are independent, and the income your family would need replaced until retirement. Subtract existing assets and cover already held.
What to avoid
Buy the cover you need for the years you need it, and keep the product simple enough that a nominee can claim it without help.
