Easy Tech TutsHow to Create, Start, and Complete a Sprint in Jira
By Impran M N
Running a sprint in Jira involves three distinct stages: creating it, starting it with a defined scope, and completing it once the work is done. This guide walks through the full lifecycle for teams new to Scrum in Jira.
01Create a new sprint
From your backlog view, create a new sprint, which starts out empty and ready to be populated with work.
02Add issues to the sprint
Select issues from your backlog and add them to the sprint you just created, based on what your team plans to tackle.
03Start the sprint
Set a sprint duration and start it, which moves the selected issues onto the active board for your team to work through.
04Track progress during the sprint
As work moves forward, monitor the board to see issues progressing through the columns you've configured.
05Complete the sprint
Once the sprint duration ends, close it out. Jira will show you what was completed and let you decide where to move any unfinished issues.
Frequently asked questions
What happens to unfinished issues when I complete a sprint?
Jira will prompt you to choose whether unfinished issues go back to the backlog or roll into the next sprint.
Can I add issues to a sprint after it's already started?
Yes, you can add issues to an active sprint, though doing so frequently can make it harder to track original sprint commitments.
How long should a sprint typically last?
Sprint length varies by team, but one to two weeks is common, and Jira lets you set whatever duration fits your process.
Do I need a Scrum board to run sprints?
Yes, sprints are a feature tied to Scrum-style boards in Jira, so your project needs to be configured with a Scrum board to use them.
Watch the full walkthrough
The same steps, demonstrated on screen from start to finish.
