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
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Sprint duration | In days |
| Total story points | A number |
| Points burnt each day so far | A 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 remaining |
|---|---|
| 5 | 30 |
| 7.5 | 30 |
| 10 | 30 |
| 12.5 | 30 |
| 15 | 30 |
| 20 | 30 |
Formula
Ideal remaining = total points × (1 − days elapsed ÷ sprint days)Actual remaining = total points − Σ points burntRequired pace = remaining ÷ days leftWorked 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.
Frequently asked questions
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).