Burndown Chart

A graphical representation of work remaining versus time in a sprint or release. The x-axis shows time (days of the sprint), and the y-axis shows remaining work (in story points or tasks). An ideal burn line shows a straight diagonal from total scope on day one to zero on the last day. The actual line fluctuates around the ideal. A burndown chart that stays flat indicates the team is blocked or work is being added; one that drops steeply shows great progress. Sprint burndowns help the team self-manage — if they are behind the ideal line mid-sprint, they can take corrective action before the sprint ends.