What is a burn-up chart (and do you need one)?

What is a burn-up chart used for?

A burn-up chart is a graphical representation of project progress, featuring two lines. The x-axis represents time, and the y-axis represents the number of deliverables to be completed. One line represents the total planned project work, while the other tracks the actual work completed. By comparing these two lines, you can easily assess your project’s progress over time. This straightforward visual aid allows project managers or Scrum masters to make necessary adjustments, such as allocating additional resources, to ensure that the project meets its deadline.

How to create a burn-up chart

Creating a burn-up chart is a valuable tool for tracking and managing project progress effectively. It provides a clear visual representation of work completed against the planned scope over time. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to create a burn-up chart:

• Define your project scope: Begin by outlining the scope of your project. Clearly identify the deliverables, tasks, or features that need to be completed. This serves as the foundation for your burn-up chart.
• Set time intervals: Determine the time intervals you want to use on the x-axis of your chart. Common choices include days, weeks, or sprints, depending on the project’s nature and duration.
• Estimate work: Assign estimates to each deliverable or task. This could be in terms of story points, hours, or any other unit of measurement that’s relevant to your project. These estimates will help you understand the total planned work.
• Track completed work: As your project progresses, update the chart to reflect the actual work completed. For each time interval, mark the completed work on the chart. This will be the second line on your graph.
• Calculate the total planned work: Sum up the planned work for each time interval to create the first line on your chart, representing the total planned work. This line should show the cumulative planned work up to that point in time.
• Plot the data: Use a spreadsheet or specialized project management software to plot your data. The x-axis will represent time, while the y-axis will indicate the amount of work (planned and completed).
• Interpret the chart: By viewing both lines together, you can assess whether your project is on track, ahead, or behind schedule. The gap between the two lines shows how much work is left to complete the project.

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What are the benefits of a burn-up chart?

Clearly indicates progress

When compared to other project management charts, burn-up charts offer exceptional clarity and ease of interpretation. By simply examining the two lines on the chart, you can readily gauge project progress, revealing the entirety of the planned work and the total work completed.

Highlights scope changes and scope creep

The visibility provided by burn-up charts is instrumental in tracking scope changes and preventing scope creep. By observing the relationship between completed work and planned work, you can vigilantly monitor the project’s trajectory. If the work completed is surpassing the planned work, it becomes evident when adjustments need to be made or potential scope changes must be communicated to the client.

Provides transparency

Burn-up charts, with their user-friendly format, promote transparency among all stakeholders involved in a project. These charts can be easily shared with clients, providing them with a clear view of project progress. This transparency fosters trust and confidence in your team’s ability to effectively execute the project.

Successfully managing a fast-paced project requires meticulous tracking and the right tools. Burn-up charts offer clarity, scope control, and transparency. Ensure your projects are on schedule by introducing burn-up charts into your workflow. For more ways to improve your team’s project management and efficiency, learn more organization tips.