Scrum guide · Scrum events
Scrum Ceremonies: The 5 Scrum Events Explained
Scrum's events, often called ceremonies or meetings, create a regular rhythm for planning, inspecting and adapting. Each has a clear purpose and a maximum duration, and together they replace most other meetings.
Key takeaways
- Scrum has five events: the Sprint plus four inside it.
- Each event has a purpose and a maximum time-box.
- Backlog refinement is ongoing, not a formal event.
The five events at a glance
| Event | Purpose | Who | Time-box (1-month Sprint) |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Sprint | Container for all other events | Scrum Team | One month or less |
| Sprint Planning | Plan the Sprint's goal and work | Scrum Team | Up to 8 hours |
| Daily Scrum | Inspect progress and adapt the plan | Developers | 15 minutes |
| Sprint Review | Inspect the outcome and adapt the backlog | Scrum Team and stakeholders | Up to 4 hours |
| Sprint Retrospective | Improve quality and effectiveness | Scrum Team | Up to 3 hours |
For shorter Sprints, the events are usually shorter.
Why time-boxes matter
A time-box is a maximum duration. It keeps events focused, limits waste and creates a predictable rhythm. If an event regularly needs more time, that is a signal to investigate, for example poorly refined backlog items.
What about backlog refinement?
Product Backlog refinement is an ongoing activity, not a formal event. Teams typically spend some time each Sprint clarifying, splitting and estimating upcoming items, often in a regular session.
Making events effective
- Hold them at the same time and place every Sprint.
- Prepare inputs in advance, such as a refined backlog for planning.
- Keep the focus on the event's purpose.
- Respect time-boxes.
- Use outcomes: every event should change something, such as a plan, the backlog or the way of working.
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Frequently asked questions
Are Scrum ceremonies mandatory?
Yes. The Scrum Guide says each event is a formal opportunity to inspect and adapt, and skipping events loses those opportunities.
Which Scrum event is often mistaken for a status meeting?
The Daily Scrum. It is actually a planning meeting for the Developers, focused on progress towards the Sprint Goal.
What are the 5 Scrum ceremonies?
The Sprint, Sprint Planning, the Daily Scrum, the Sprint Review and the Sprint Retrospective. The Scrum Guide calls them events.
Is backlog refinement a Scrum ceremony?
No. The Scrum Guide describes Product Backlog refinement as an ongoing activity, not a formal event. See backlog refinement.
What is the order of Scrum events?
Each Sprint starts with Sprint Planning, has a Daily Scrum every working day, and ends with the Sprint Review followed by the Sprint Retrospective.
How long are Scrum ceremonies in a two-week Sprint?
The Scrum Guide sets maximums for a one-month Sprint: Planning 8 hours, Review 4 hours, Retrospective 3 hours. Shorter Sprints usually have shorter events, and the Daily Scrum stays at 15 minutes.
Why does the Scrum Guide say Scrum events rather than Scrum ceremonies?
The Scrum Guide uses the word events. Ceremonies is an informal term some teams use, though it can suggest empty ritual rather than purposeful inspection and adaptation.
Who facilitates Scrum events?
The Scrum Master ensures events take place and are positive, productive and within their time-box, but anyone in the Scrum Team may facilitate.
Can Scrum events be held remotely?
Yes. Remote teams use video calls and shared digital boards. Keeping cameras on, using timers and preparing materials in advance helps keep events focused.
Can two Scrum ceremonies, the Sprint Review and Retrospective, be combined?
It is best not to. They have different purposes and attendees, and combining them usually reduces the depth of both. See Sprint Review vs Retrospective.
What is the purpose of time-boxing Scrum events?
Time-boxes set a maximum duration so events stay focused and predictable. Regularly hitting the time-box is a signal to investigate the cause, such as poorly refined backlog items.