Definition
A burndown chart is a visual representation of the remaining work to be completed in a project or iteration, typically plotted against time. It illustrates the progress of a team by showing the amount of work left on the vertical axis and the time elapsed on the horizontal axis. The chart helps teams track their velocity and identify potential roadblocks or scope creep as the work completed is subtracted from the total work. This allows for proactive adjustments to the project plan, ensuring that deadlines are met and objectives are achieved efficiently. For example, a software development team might use a burndown chart to track the number of user stories or tasks remaining in a two week sprint. Unlike a burnup chart which shows work added and completed, a burndown chart focuses solely on the reduction of outstanding work. This concept is frequently encountered in agile project management domains covered by certifications like PMI-ACP and CAPM.