The Sprint Goal

The Sprint Goal is a “commitment” for the Sprint Backlog meaning that it is meant to provide focus for the Scrum Team and a target against which progress can be measured. 

The Sprint Goal provides the objective for the Sprint and frames many of the events during the Sprint:

  • Objective: The Sprint Goal should indicate why this Sprint will bring value to the stakeholders, including customers and users. 
  • Sprint Planning:
    • The Sprint Goal is created by the entire Scrum Team during Sprint Planning. Ideally, all of the Developers on the Scrum Team will work on items that support the Sprint Goal. In this way, the Sprint Goal provides a unifying force to the Sprint and to the team.
    • The PBIs selected for the Sprint during Sprint Planning are intended to help the team reach the Sprint Goal. 
  • Daily Scrum: 
    • During the Daily Scrum, the Developers assess whether they are making progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt their plans accordingly. They may adjust the scope of the work they intend to do, but they must not make changes to the Sprint Goal.
  • Sprint Review:
    • The Scrum Team and stakeholders discuss the progress made toward the Product Goal.

 

 

Resources:

Blog Post
Picture for Simon Kneafsey Simon Kneafsey
Here are some simple examples of Product Goals, Sprint Goals and the relationship between them.
4.7 from 19 ratings
February 1, 2021
Blog Post
Picture for Stefan Wolpers Stefan Wolpers
In this article, PST Stefan Wolpers shares the top ten most damaging Sprint Goal anti-patterns.
4 from 4 ratings
December 4, 2023

 

 

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The Sprint Backlog represents what the Developers plan to accomplish during the Sprint. Learn about the Sprint Backlog, Sprint Goal, how to use Sprint Backlogs effectively and investigate common antipatterns with the Sprint Backlog.