If the diagonal trend line on a Burndown Chart runs above the plan line, what does this indicate?

• A. More work remains than forecasted
• B. The project is ahead of schedule
• C. Costs are under control
• D. More work is being completed than forecasted

Answer: (A)

On a burndown chart, you’re watching how much work remains as time progresses. The plan (ideal) line shows the expected pace to finish all work by the sprint’s end. If the actual trend line sits above that plan line, it means there is more work left than forecasted at that point, so progress is slower than planned. In other words, the project is behind schedule relative to the forecast. Costs aren’t directly shown by this chart, and being ahead of schedule would put the actual line below the plan line, while completing more work than forecasted would pull the line below the plan line as well.