Definition
A burnup chart is a visual tool used in project management, particularly within agile frameworks, to track the total amount of work completed over time against the total scope of the project. It displays cumulative work accomplished on one axis and time on the other, with a line representing the total work remaining. The chart helps teams understand their progress, identify potential scope creep, and forecast completion dates. By visualizing the work completed versus the total work, teams can quickly assess if they are on track to meet deadlines. For instance, a software development team might use a burnup chart to show how many user stories have been completed out of the total planned for a release. It differs from a burndown chart, which tracks remaining work rather than completed work. Burnup charts are frequently encountered in preparation for certifications like the PMP, CAPM, and PMI-ACP exams.