Scrum guide · Scrum events
Daily Scrum (Stand-Up): Purpose, Format and Tips
The Daily Scrum is a 15-minute event for the Developers to inspect progress toward the Sprint Goal and adapt the Sprint Backlog as needed. It is held at the same time and place every working day to reduce complexity.
Key takeaways
- The Daily Scrum is 15 minutes for the Developers.
- Its purpose is to inspect progress towards the Sprint Goal and adapt the plan.
- Walking the board helps avoid status reporting.
Purpose
- Inspect progress towards the Sprint Goal.
- Adapt the plan for the next day of work.
- Identify impediments early.
- Improve communication and reduce the need for other meetings.
Who attends
The Daily Scrum is for the Developers. If the Product Owner or Scrum Master are actively working on items in the Sprint Backlog, they take part as Developers. Others may observe but should not interrupt.
Formats
The Scrum Guide does not prescribe a format. Common options:
- Three questions: What did I do yesterday towards the goal? What will I do today? Do I see any impediments? Simple, but can drift into status reporting.
- Walk the board: review items from right to left (closest to done first), asking what is needed to finish each.
- Goal-focused: start with "Are we on track for the Sprint Goal?" and discuss only what affects it.
Tips
- Stand up, or keep cameras on for remote teams, to keep it short.
- Start on time even if someone is missing.
- Take detailed discussions offline, right after the meeting, with only the people needed.
- Update the board during the meeting.
- Rotate who facilitates.
Warning signs
- People report to the Scrum Master or a manager.
- It regularly runs longer than 15 minutes.
- Nobody mentions the Sprint Goal.
- Impediments are raised but never resolved.
Free templates for this topic
Frequently asked questions
Is the Daily Scrum the same as a stand-up?
Many teams call it a stand-up. The Daily Scrum is Scrum's specific version, focused on the Sprint Goal.
Can the Daily Scrum be skipped?
Not in Scrum. If it feels pointless, use the Retrospective to change its format rather than dropping it.
How long is the Daily Scrum?
15 minutes, regardless of Sprint length.
Who attends the Daily Scrum?
The Developers. The Product Owner and Scrum Master take part as Developers only if they are actively working on Sprint Backlog items.
Does the Scrum Master have to run the Daily Scrum?
No. The Scrum Master ensures it happens, but the Daily Scrum is the Developers' event and they can run it themselves.
Are the three questions still part of the Daily Scrum?
No. The 2020 Scrum Guide removed the three questions. Developers can use any structure that focuses on progress towards the Sprint Goal.
What time should the Daily Scrum be held?
At the same time and place every working day, chosen by the Developers. Many teams pick early in the working day, but any consistent time works.
What if a Developer cannot attend the Daily Scrum?
The event goes ahead at the usual time. The absent person can share an update in advance and catch up afterwards.
Can the Daily Scrum be held asynchronously?
Some distributed teams use written updates, but the Scrum Guide describes a 15-minute event. Asynchronous check-ins risk losing the real-time conversation that adapts the plan.
What is walking the board in a Daily Scrum?
A Daily Scrum format in which the team reviews items from right to left on the Scrum board, starting with those closest to done, and asks what is needed to finish each one.
Is the Daily Scrum the only time Developers can adjust the plan?
No. The Scrum Guide notes Developers often meet throughout the day for more detailed discussions about adapting or re-planning the rest of the Sprint's work.