Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the object-oriented metrics which have strong impact on the reliability and fault-proneness of software products. The reliability and fault-proneness of software product is closely related to the design properties of class diagrams such as coupling between objects and depth of inheritance tree. Methods: This study has empirically validated the object-oriented metrics to determine which metrics are the best to predict fault-proneness. We have tested the metrics using logistic regressions and artificial neural networks. The results are then compared and validated by ROC curves. Results: The artificial neural network models show better results in sensitivity, specificity and correctness than logistic regression models. Among object-oriented metrics, several metrics can estimate the fault-proneness better. The metrics are CBO (coupling between objects), DIT (depth of inheritance), LCOM (lack of cohesive methods), RFC (response for class). In addition to the object-oriented metrics, LOC (lines of code) metric has also proven to be a good factor for determining fault-proneness of software products. Conclusion: In order to develop fault-free and reliable software products on time and within budget, assuring quality of initial phases of software development processes is crucial. Since object-oriented metrics can be measured in the early phases, it is important to make sure the key metrics of software design as good as possible.