The Sprint Backlog is one of the three artifacts in Scrum. It provides the Development Team with a structured view of the work planned for the current Sprint. Unlike the long-term Product Backlog, the Sprint Backlog contains only the items relevant to the Sprint Goal. It consists of three elements: the Sprint Goal, the selected Product Backlog Items (PBIs), and a plan for delivering them during the Sprint. The Sprint Goal describes why the Sprint is valuable, the PBIs define what will be delivered, and the plan outlines how the work will be carried out. The Developers are accountable for creating and updating the Sprint Backlog.
Creation in Sprint Planning
The Sprint Backlog is created during Sprint Planning, the first event of the Sprint. The Scrum Team agrees on a Sprint Goal, selects Product Backlog Items to achieve it, and develops an initial plan for delivery. The Sprint Backlog is not a static contract. It evolves throughout the Sprint as Developers learn more about the work.
Adaptation during the Sprint
The Sprint Backlog is continuously updated by the Developers. At least once per day, during the Daily Scrum, the team inspects progress and adapts the plan. While the Sprint Goal remains fixed, scope can be clarified or adjusted as long as the goal is still achievable. If the Sprint Goal becomes unattainable, the Product Owner has the authority to cancel the Sprint.
Responsibilities
Ownership of the Sprint Backlog lies entirely with the Developers. They decide how to turn selected Product Backlog Items into a usable Increment. The Product Owner provides the what (the items and the Sprint Goal), while the Developers determine the how. The Scrum Master ensures that Scrum principles are understood but does not manage the Sprint Backlog.
Transparency and Visualization
The Sprint Backlog is a real-time, highly visible artifact. Teams often visualize it on a physical or digital task board with columns such as To Do, In Progress, and Done. This makes progress transparent to everyone and allows the team to inspect and adapt the plan daily. Items not finished by the end of the Sprint return to the Product Backlog for future consideration.
Typical Misunderstandings
· Believing the Sprint Backlog is frozen after Sprint Planning. In reality, it is a living plan that evolves throughout the Sprint.
· Treating the Sprint Backlog as a commitment to deliver all selected items. The commitment in Scrum is to the Sprint Goal, not to completing every backlog item.
· Assuming the Product Owner manages the Sprint Backlog. Only the Developers own and update it.
· Using the Sprint Backlog as a micro-management tool, rather than as a transparent plan created and maintained by the team.
Practical Relevance in Transformations
The Sprint Backlog is a powerful tool for focus, alignment, and continuous adaptation. It reduces risk by keeping planning horizons short and creates accountability by linking all work to a clear Sprint Goal. For experienced coaches and leaders, it is also a cultural signal: a well-managed Sprint Backlog reflects a team’s maturity in self-management, transparency, and outcome orientation.
CALADE Perspective
In transformation programs we see that the Sprint Backlog is more than a list of tasks – it is a living artifact of knowledge and learning. At CALADE, we help organizations use the Sprint Backlog not as a static plan, but as a dynamic tool for outcome-driven work. We support teams in formulating meaningful Sprint Goals, structuring backlogs for clarity, and maintaining transparency across teams. In scaled environments, we also assist in synchronizing Sprint Backlogs across multiple teams while preserving each team’s autonomy. This ensures that the Sprint Backlog becomes a practical driver of value delivery, not just an administrative artifact.
Related Terms
· Product Backlog
· Sprint
· Increment
· Sprint Goal
· Definition of Done
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