Burnup Chart

Burnup Chart main objective is to track the progress of a project over time.
Contributed by

Moises Romero

Published January 17, 2024
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What Is Burnup Chart?

The Burnup Chart is a graphical representation used in project management, particularly within agile methodologies. It tracks the progress of a project by showing the amount of work completed over time against the total scope of the project. This chart typically consists of two main lines: one indicating the total amount of work (often referred to as the "scope line") and the other showing the work completed to date.

Why Do Burnup Chart?

  • Visibility of Progress: The Burnup Chart provides a clear and visual representation of how much work has been completed and how much is left. This visibility is crucial for stakeholders and team members to understand the project's progress.
  • Scope Tracking: It uniquely highlights any changes in the project's scope. If the scope increases or decreases, this is reflected in the scope line, making it a useful tool for managing scope creep.
  • Predictability: By visualizing the rate of progress and comparing it with the total scope, the Burnup Chart helps in forecasting when the project is likely to be completed. This is particularly beneficial for planning and adjusting timelines.
  • Team Motivation and Morale: Seeing the actual progress in comparison to the total work can be motivating for team members. It provides a sense of accomplishment and a clear understanding of what remains to be done.

How to do Burnup Chart?

  • Identify Total Scope: Begin by identifying the total scope of the project. This includes all the tasks, user stories, or features that need to be completed. Represent this as the upper line on your chart.
  • Track Completed Work: Regularly update the chart with the amount of work completed. This can be done at the end of each day, sprint, or another consistent time interval. This is represented as a rising line that ideally moves closer to the scope line over time.
  • Update for Scope Changes: If there are any changes to the project's scope, adjust the scope line accordingly. This ensures the chart accurately reflects the current state of the project.
  • Review and Analyze: Regularly review the Burnup Chart with your team and stakeholders. Use it to discuss the project's progress, forecast completion, and make any necessary adjustments to the project plan.
  • Tools and Software: Utilize project management tools or software that can automatically generate and update Burnup Charts based on your project data. This simplifies the process and ensures accuracy.

Links we love

Check out these great links which can help you dive a little deeper into running the Burnup Chart practice with your team, customers or stakeholders.


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