📉 Burndown Chart Calculator
Calculate burndown metrics for agile projects
Total work planned for the sprint/period
Days remaining in the sprint/period
Work completed so far
How to Use This Calculator
Enter Total Work
Input the total work planned for your sprint or project period. This can be in story points, hours, or any unit of work.
Enter Time Remaining
Input the number of days remaining in your sprint or project period.
Enter Work Completed
Input the amount of work completed so far in the same units as total work.
Review Results
Examine whether you're on track, ideal burn rate, work needed per day, and estimated completion time.
Formula
Work Remaining:
Work Remaining = Total Work - Work Completed
Ideal Burn Rate:
Ideal Burn Rate = Total Work / Total Time
Work Per Day Needed:
Work Per Day = Work Remaining / Time Remaining
Days to Complete:
Days to Complete = Work Remaining / Ideal Burn Rate
Example: Sprint Burndown
Total Work: 100 story points, Time Remaining: 5 days, Work Completed: 60 story points
Work Remaining: 100 - 60 = 40 story points
Ideal Burn Rate: 100 / 10 = 10 story points per day
Work Per Day Needed: 40 / 5 = 8 story points per day
Days to Complete: 40 / 10 = 4 days
✅ On track - need to burn 8 points/day, which is less than ideal rate of 10
About Burndown Chart Calculator
The Burndown Chart Calculator helps agile teams and project managers track work progress and predict project completion. This tool calculates burndown metrics including ideal burn rate, work remaining, daily work requirements, and estimated completion time, helping teams stay on track and identify potential schedule issues early.
When to Use This Calculator
- Sprint Planning: Calculate burndown metrics for sprint planning and tracking
- Progress Monitoring: Track daily progress and identify if you're on track
- Risk Management: Identify potential schedule risks early in the sprint
- Team Communication: Share burndown metrics with stakeholders
- Velocity Tracking: Understand work velocity and adjust estimates
- Forecasting: Predict completion time based on current progress
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Quick Calculation: Instantly calculate burndown metrics from your progress data
- ✅ Status Indicators: Clear visual indication of whether you're on track
- ✅ Daily Requirements: Shows exactly how much work needs to be done per day
- ✅ Completion Estimates: Predicts when work will be completed at current rate
- ✅ Ideal vs Actual: Compares ideal burn rate with actual requirements
- ✅ Free Tool: No cost for essential agile project management
Common Applications
- Scrum Sprints: Track sprint burndown and velocity
- Project Milestones: Monitor progress toward project milestones
- Team Performance: Track team productivity and efficiency
- Resource Planning: Plan resources based on burndown trends
Tips for Best Results
- Consistent Units: Use the same units (story points, hours, etc.) for all inputs
- Regular Updates: Update work completed daily for accurate tracking
- Accurate Estimates: Base total work on realistic estimates from team
- Track Trends: Monitor burndown trends over multiple sprints
- Adjust for Changes: Recalculate when scope changes during sprint
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a burndown chart?
A burndown chart is a visual representation of work remaining over time. It shows the ideal burndown line (straight line to zero) and actual progress, helping teams see if they're on track to complete work on time.
What units should I use for work?
You can use any consistent unit: story points, hours, tasks, or any other measure of work. The key is to use the same unit for total work, work completed, and work remaining.
What if we're behind schedule?
If you're behind schedule, you'll need to increase your daily burn rate, reduce scope, or extend the timeline. The calculator shows exactly how much work per day is needed to catch up.
How often should I update the burndown?
Update daily during sprint execution for most accurate tracking. Some teams update multiple times per day for real-time visibility.
What if scope changes during the sprint?
Recalculate with the new total work. Burndown charts should reflect actual work remaining, so adjust when items are added or removed from the sprint.
Does this account for team velocity?
The ideal burn rate assumes even distribution. For more accurate predictions, use historical velocity data to adjust the ideal burn rate based on your team's actual performance.