# Burndown Chart Calculator

URL: https://speedycalculator.com/calculators/finance/burndown-chart/
Last updated: 2026-10-25

> The burndown chart calculator tracks an agile sprint: it compares the story points burnt so far with the ideal burndown line and tells you whether the team is on track to finish the sprint.

## Inputs

- Sprint duration (days)
- Total story points
- Points burnt each day so far

## Results

- Days elapsed
- Points completed
- Points remaining
- Ideal remaining at this point
- Points per day needed to finish
- Average points per day so far
- Status

## Formula

```
Ideal remaining = total points × (1 − days elapsed ÷ sprint days)
Actual remaining = total points − Σ points burnt
Required pace = remaining ÷ days left
```

## Explanation

A burndown chart plots the work left in a sprint against time. The ideal line falls in a straight line to zero on the last day. If actual remaining work sits above the line, the team is behind; below it, ahead.

### How to use the Burndown Chart Calculator

- **Sprint duration**
- **Total story points**
- **Points burnt each day so far**

Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.

### How it works

Enter the sprint length, the total story points and the points completed each day so far.

### Tips

- Use figures for the same period (a month, a quarter or a year) for every input so ratios compare like with like.
- Track the metric over time – the trend usually tells you more than a single value.
- Compare your result with industry benchmarks, which vary a lot between sectors.
- Treat the result as a starting point for a decision, then check the assumptions behind each input.

### Common mistakes to avoid

- Mixing monthly and yearly numbers in the same calculation.
- Using revenue where the formula needs profit (or the other way round).
- Forgetting hidden costs such as taxes, fees, overheads or your own time.

### Inputs explained

FieldWhat to enterSprint durationIn daysTotal story pointsA numberPoints burnt each day so farA list of numbers separated by commas, spaces or new lines

### What each result means

- **Days elapsed** = count([Points burnt each day so far])
- **Points completed** = sum([Points burnt each day so far])
- **Points remaining** = [Total story points] - [Points completed]
- **Ideal remaining at this point** = [Total story points]×(1 - [Days elapsed]÷[Sprint duration])
- **Points per day needed to finish** = max([Total story points] - [Points completed], 0)÷max([Sprint duration] - [Days elapsed], 1)
- **Average points per day so far** = [Points completed]÷max([Days elapsed], 1)

### Example values

How the main result changes when **Sprint duration** changes and everything else stays at the example values above:

Sprint duration (days)Points remaining5307.530103012.53015302030

## Worked example

Inputs — Sprint duration: 10 days; Total story points: 60; Points burnt each day so far: 5, 7, 4, 8, 6.

Results — Days elapsed = 5; Points completed = 30; **Points remaining = 30**; Ideal remaining at this point = 30; Points per day needed to finish = 6; Average points per day so far = 6; Status = On track or ahead.

## FAQ

**What is a burndown chart?**
A graph of remaining work against time during a sprint.

**What does it mean if I'm above the ideal line?**
The team is behind schedule and may need to cut scope.

**What is velocity?**
The average story points a team completes per sprint.

**What formula does the Burndown Chart Calculator use?**
Ideal remaining = total points × (1 − days elapsed ÷ sprint days).


## Sources

- [Scrum.org – Scrum guide](https://scrumguides.org/)