Burndown Chart in Scrum: Definition & How It Works

A burndown chart is a visual tool used in Scrum to track the amount of work remaining in a sprint.

Typically, it displays the total effort required to complete the sprint backlog, plotted against time. The chart helps teams visualize progress and identify any potential issues early in the sprint.

Key Features of a Burndown Chart

• Axes: The vertical axis represents the amount of work remaining (often measured in story points or hours), while the horizontal axis represents time (usually days in the sprint).
• Ideal Line: A diagonal line indicates the ideal progress toward completing all work by the end of the sprint. This line serves as a benchmark.
• Actual Line: This line shows the actual amount of work remaining at the end of each day, allowing teams to see if they are on track.

Benefits of Using a Burndown Chart

• Transparency: Provides visibility into the team's progress for stakeholders.
• Early Detection: Helps identify potential roadblocks or issues before they become critical.
• Team Motivation: Seeing the progress can boost team morale and encourage collaboration.

We've trained over 55,000 practitioners since 2001 at ThinkLouder, a Scrum Alliance Licensed Training Provider. Understanding tools like the burndown chart is essential for effective Scrum practice.

For more information on Scrum tools, check out our article on what constitutes a good burndown chart. If you're interested in certifications, visit our certifications page to see available options.

Related Resources

• Need to teach others? Learn How to explain a burndown chart effectively.
• To understand the "why" behind these charts, explore What is the purpose of a burn-down chart?.
• To understand how burndown charts compare to another key metric, read What is the difference between burndown and burnup chart in Jira?.
• To optimize your sprint planning and execution, explore the 20 30 50 rule in Agile.
• Understanding burndown charts is crucial, but are you a Strategic Product Owner yet?
• If you're considering Scrum certifications, explore whether CSM is better than CSD for your career path.
• Now that you know what a burndown chart is, learn what is a good burndown chart.
• Considering a career as a Scrum Master? Find out if a CSM certificate is worth it.