Agile teams are often asked: Can we finish this work in time? This is where the Plan Visualizer tool comes in handy. Available exclusively to members of the Agile Mentors Community (AMC), it’s a free and effective way to forecast whether a team can complete a given amount of work within a set number of sprints.
Whether you’re part of a Scrum team or managing one, the Plan Visualizer helps you plan better, communicate clearly with stakeholders, and make realistic commitments. Let’s break it down in simple terms.
How the Plan Visualizer Works?
Let’s say a team is asked to complete 240 story points in 8 sprints.
- The team estimates their velocity (i.e., how much they can finish per sprint) is between 26 and 34 points.
- If they go at 26 points per sprint, they’ll finish 208 points in 8 sprints.
- If they go at 34 points per sprint, they’ll finish 272 points in 8 sprints.
- Since 240 falls within this range, it’s a feasible target. Not guaranteed, but very possible.
However, if the team’s velocity was lower (say 20–26), even at their best speed they’d only reach 208 points making 240 points impossible. The tool would show this in the red zone.
If their minimum velocity was high enough to still meet the goal, the chart would show this in the green zone, meaning the target is very achievable.
Why This Tool Useful?
As a Scrum Master or Product Owner, you often get asked, “Can we add this feature and still launch on time?” The Plan Visualizer makes it easy to show stakeholders if the request is realistic. If the target work lands in the red zone, you have proof that it’s not doable, even at your team’s best speed. If it’s in the green zone, there’s no need for extra discussions. You just get to work and deliver.
What If the Workload is Too High?
If the forecast says the team can’t finish everything on time, you can:
- Extend the deadline (add more sprints)
- Reduce the scope (cut out some work)
- Do both: extend the deadline and reduce the scope
- The tool lets you play around with different scenarios and choose what works best. This helps you set clear and realistic expectations with your stakeholders.
How to Forecast Velocity?
To use the Plan Visualizer, you need to enter a velocity range:
- You can type it manually
- Use historical data (how the team performed in the past)
- Or use tools like the Velocity Range Calculator
If you don’t have past data, check out HelloSM’s Agile planning guides, especially helpful if you’re learning through the best Scrum training institute in Hyderabad.
Simple Way to Estimate Velocity Range
Let’s say a team’s average velocity is 29, but in the past, they’ve had sprints ranging from 18 to 37.
If you’re planning for just one sprint, your estimate should range from 18 to 37. But if you’re planning for many sprints, like 10 or 20, the average (29) becomes more reliable. Over time, highs and lows tend to balance out. The Plan Visualizer uses a smart formula (called a prediction interval) that includes:
- Average velocity
- Standard deviation (how much the speed varies)
- Number of past and future sprints
- Confidence level (usually 90%)
Don’t worry! The tool does all the math for you.
The Plan Visualizer is a powerful tool for Agile teams to:
- Forecast delivery with confidence
- Adjust timelines and work scope smartly
- Set clear expectations with stakeholders
- Make data-driven decisions instead of relying on guesswork
Teams trained at HelloSM, the best Scrum training institute in Hyderabad, use tools like this to improve their planning and delivery skills. Whether you’re looking to build your Scrum career or lead Agile teams, learning how to use forecasting tools is a must.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Plan Visualizer in Agile?
It’s a free tool for AMC members that helps Agile teams forecast if their work can be completed within a fixed number of sprints, based on estimated velocity.
What is velocity in Scrum?
Velocity is the average number of story points a team completes per sprint. It helps in planning future sprints realistically.
How do I know if my target is achievable?
Use the Plan Visualizer to check if the target work is between your team’s low and high velocity estimates. If yes, it’s achievable.
Can I use the tool without past sprint data?
Yes. You can manually enter a velocity range or use estimation techniques shared in HelloSM’s training resources.
Why should I learn tools like this from HelloSM?
HelloSM is the top training institute in India for Scrum and Agile. You’ll learn hands-on planning techniques, tools, and concepts from experienced mentors that help you grow into a confident Agile professional.
