An algorithm must satisfy the following criteria:

1. Input- These are the values that are supplied externally to the algorithm.

2. Output- These are the results that are produced by the algorithm.

3. Definiteness- Each step must be clear and unambiguous.

4. Finiteness- The algorithm must terminate after a finite number of steps.

5. Effectiveness- Each step must be feasible i.e. it should be practically possible to perform the step.