Kanban guide · Kanban compared
Kanban vs Scrum: Differences and How to Choose
Kanban and Scrum are the two most popular Agile approaches. Both visualise work and aim for continuous improvement, but they organise time, roles and change very differently.
Key takeaways
- Kanban uses continuous flow; Scrum uses fixed sprints.
- Kanban needs no new roles; Scrum defines three accountabilities.
- Many teams combine both.
Side by side
| Kanban | Scrum | |
|---|---|---|
| Cadence | Continuous flow | Fixed-length sprints of one month or less |
| Roles | None required | Product Owner, Scrum Master, Developers |
| Planning | Continuous replenishment | Sprint Planning each sprint |
| Change | New items can be pulled any time | Sprint scope is protected |
| WIP control | Explicit WIP limits per column | Limited by sprint scope |
| Key metrics | Cycle time, throughput, WIP | Velocity, sprint burndown |
| Board | Persistent | Reset each sprint |
| Delivery | Whenever an item is ready | At least once per sprint |
Choose Kanban when
- Work arrives unpredictably, as in support or operations.
- Priorities change daily.
- Items vary greatly in size.
- You want to improve an existing process without new roles.
Choose Scrum when
- A dedicated team builds a product.
- Work can be planned in fixed cycles.
- The team benefits from structure and regular reviews.
- A Product Owner can own priorities.
Combining them
Many teams use Scrum with a Kanban board and WIP limits, or Kanban with regular reviews and retrospectives. This hybrid is often called Scrumban.
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Frequently asked questions
Kanban vs Scrum: which is better?
Neither is better in general. Kanban suits continuous, variable work; Scrum suits product development in planned cycles.
Can a team move between Scrum and Kanban?
Yes. Many teams move to Kanban when sprint commitments keep being disrupted by unplanned work.
What is the main difference between Kanban and Scrum?
Scrum works in fixed-length Sprints with defined accountabilities and events, while Kanban manages a continuous flow of work with WIP limits and no required roles.
How do roles differ in Kanban and Scrum?
Scrum defines three accountabilities: Scrum Master, Product Owner and Developers. Kanban does not require a Scrum Master, Product Owner or any new role, though some teams add optional roles such as a Service Delivery Manager.
How do Kanban and Scrum compare for ease of adoption?
Kanban is usually easier to start because it begins with your current process. Scrum asks the team to adopt new roles, events and Sprint planning from day one.
In Kanban vs Scrum, when should you choose Kanban?
Choose Kanban for continuous, unpredictable work such as support, operations or maintenance, or when priorities change daily. Scrum often suits product development with a regular review rhythm.
Can Kanban and Scrum be combined?
Yes. Many Scrum teams use a Kanban board with WIP limits inside their Sprints, and hybrids are often called Scrumban.
Do both Kanban and Scrum teams have a backlog?
Yes. Scrum has a Product Backlog and a Sprint Backlog; Kanban teams keep a backlog of options but no Sprint Backlog. Items are pulled into the workflow continuously at replenishment.
Which metrics do Scrum and Kanban teams use?
Scrum teams often track velocity and burndown, while Kanban teams use cycle time, throughput, WIP and cumulative flow diagrams. Neither framework strictly mandates a metric.
How do Kanban and Scrum handle changing priorities?
In Kanban, the team can reprioritise anything not yet started at any time, because there is no Sprint commitment. In Scrum, the Sprint Goal stays fixed during a Sprint.
Are Kanban and Scrum suitable for small teams?
Both work. Very small teams or individuals often prefer Kanban's lighter structure, while Scrum suits teams of up to about 10 people who want a regular planning and review rhythm.