Scrum Metrics

Scrum teams track simple metrics to understand their progress and predict future performance. These metrics avoid complex math and stay easy for anyone to read.

Velocity

Velocity measures the number of story points a team completes in a single sprint. Teams track velocity over several sprints to find an average, which then helps with future planning.

Sprint 1: 18 points
Sprint 2: 22 points
Sprint 3: 20 points
Average velocity: 20 points

Burndown Chart

A burndown chart shows how much work remains in a sprint over time. The chart starts high on day one and should reach zero by the last day of the sprint.

Points Remaining
40 |\
30 | \
20 |  \
10 |   \
 0 |____\____________
   Day1        Day10

A line that drops faster than expected suggests the team finished early or overestimated the work. A line that drops slower suggests the team needs to address a blocker.

Burnup Chart

A burnup chart shows the opposite view, tracking how much work the team has completed against the total scope. This chart also reveals when the total scope itself grows during the sprint, since new bars appear for added work.

Layman's Example

Think of a fuel gauge in a car for the burndown chart, since it shows how much fuel remains and warns you before it runs empty. Think of a savings account balance for the burnup chart, since it shows your progress toward a savings goal over time.

Using Metrics Correctly

Teams use these metrics to spot trends and improve planning, not to punish individual team members. A single low velocity sprint does not signal failure. A consistent pattern across many sprints carries more useful information.

Key Takeaway

Velocity, burndown charts, and burnup charts give Scrum teams clear, visual ways to track progress. These simple tools support better planning without complicated reporting.