How to Read a Burndown Chart in Scrum

Scrum is an Agile framework that is widely used in software development to manage and execute projects in a collaborative and iterative manner. A burndown chart is a visual representation of the progress of a project and is used to track the amount of work that has been completed and the amount of work that remains to be done. In this article, we will explore what a burndown chart is, how to read it, and what it means to be below ideal, above ideal, and ideal in Scrum.

What is a Burndown Chart in Scrum

The burndown chart is a graphical representation of how the tasks planned during sprint planning are progressing.

It shows the total amount of work that has been completed and the amount of work that remains to be done. The chart is updated daily, and it helps to track the progress of the project and identify any obstacles that may be hindering its progress.

Why is a Burndown Chart Important in Scrum

A burndown chart is important in Scrum as it helps to provide a visual representation of the progress of a project. It allows project stakeholders to see the progress being made, and it helps to identify any roadblocks that may be preventing the project from moving forward. Additionally, a burndown chart helps to keep the project on track and ensures that the project stays within budget and on time.

How to Read a Burndown Chart in Scrum

A burndown chart in Scrum typically consists of two axes: the horizontal axis represents time, while the vertical axis represents the amount of work remaining to be done. The chart is updated daily, and it shows the amount of work that has been completed and the amount of work that remains to be done.

To read a burndown chart, start by identifying the total amount of work that needs to be done for the project. Then, as the project progresses, observe how the amount of work remaining decreases and how the amount of work that has been completed increases. If the amount of work remaining is decreasing at a steady pace, it means that the project is progressing as planned. If the amount of work remaining is not decreasing at a steady pace, it may indicate that there are obstacles that are hindering the progress of the project.

What it Means to be Below Ideal

Being below ideal means that the amount of work remaining is decreasing at a slower pace than expected, which means the scrum team has been getting through the tasks faster pace than expected.

This means the team is able to complete the tasks faster than planned. So they can take more user stories. Keep in mind, in order for the tasks to really be considered DONE, you need to ensure that the tasks pass the definition of done.

What it Means to be Above Ideal

Being above ideal means that the amount of work remaining is decreasing at a faster pace than expected,  which means the scrum team has been getting through the tasks slower pace than expected.  This means the team is unable to burn enough tasks (complete enough tasks) so that all the tasks committed during sprint planning can be completed. This can be due to various reasons:

1) Too much work was committed during sprint planning

2) The team has impediments and cannot progress further with the user stories until the blockers are resolved

3) There might be chances that the team is being asked to do ad-hoc tasks that are not planned during sprint planning

What it Means to be Ideal

If the team is oscillating around ideal, it's a signal that the team has been able to estimate the user stories that they can complete in the sprint with pretty much accuracy.

The Benefits of Using a Burndown Chart in Scrum

Using a burndown chart in Scrum provides several benefits, including:

1. Provides a visual representation of project progress
2. Helps to identify roadblocks that may be hindering progress
3. Keeps the project on track and within budget
4. Increases transparency and accountability among project stakeholders
5. Improves collaboration and communication among team members.

Conclusion

A burndown chart is a powerful tool in Scrum that helps to track the progress of a project and ensure that it stays on track. By understanding how to read a burndown chart and what it means to be below ideal, above ideal, and ideal, project stakeholders can make informed decisions and take action to ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.