Absence Rates Sprint Capacity (Individual) Calculator FAQ
Answers to common questions about estimating an individual's sprint capacity with planned absence, focus time, and absence rates.
This FAQ explains the inputs, calculation method, and appropriate interpretation of an absence-adjusted individual sprint capacity estimate.
General sprint capacity questions
Core concepts for using an individual capacity estimate in sprint planning.
What is individual sprint capacity?
It is an estimate of the time one person may have for planned sprint work after availability constraints are considered.
Who is this calculator for?
It is intended for planning one person's likely sprint availability, including people with planned leave, routine duties, or expected time away.
Is sprint capacity the same as completed work?
No. Capacity estimates available time; completed work also depends on complexity, dependencies, quality work, and changes during the sprint.
Can this calculator be used for a whole team?
It is designed for an individual. Calculate each person's capacity separately, then combine the results if a team total is needed.
Inputs and calculation method
How the calculator handles workdays, absence, and focus time.
What should count as planned absence?
Known leave, public holidays not already excluded from sprint days, training, appointments, and other scheduled time away can be included.
What does focus time available mean?
It is the percentage of scheduled available time expected to remain for sprint tasks after meetings, support, administration, and similar duties.
How is expected unplanned absence calculated?
The entered percentage is applied to focused sprint hours after planned absence and the focus-time adjustment.
Why are there both planned and unplanned absence inputs?
Known absences can be removed directly as days. Unplanned absence is handled as a percentage-based allowance for uncertainty.
How are effective workdays shown?
The calculator divides estimated capacity hours by entered hours per day to give a full-day equivalent.
Accuracy and assumptions
Factors that can make the estimate differ from actual availability.
How accurate is the sprint capacity estimate?
It is only as reliable as the schedule, focus factor, and absence assumption entered. It should be reviewed as circumstances change.
What absence rate should I enter?
Use a reasonable planning estimate based on relevant recent patterns, then revisit it rather than treating it as fixed.
Should I use the same absence rate for every person?
Not necessarily. A shared rate may be useful for a broad planning assumption, but individual schedules and circumstances can differ.
Does the calculation include unexpected urgent work?
Only indirectly, if the focus factor has been set low enough to allow for typical interruptions. New exceptional work is not predicted.
Using the result
Ways to interpret capacity without overstating what it means.
Can I convert capacity hours into story points?
You can use hours as a planning input, but there is no universal hours-to-points conversion. Historical team delivery is usually more informative.
Should I plan work equal to the calculated capacity?
The result is an estimate of available time. Scope decisions commonly also consider uncertainty, dependencies, and the type of work.
What if the result seems too low?
Check the entered sprint days, planned absences, hours per day, focus factor, and absence rate. A low result may also accurately reflect limited availability.
Does this replace discussing workload with the individual?
No. It is a planning aid and does not replace a conversation about workload, leave, priorities, or wellbeing.
What is individual sprint capacity?
It is an estimate of the time one person may have for planned sprint work after availability constraints are considered.
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