FreeScrumPoker0, 1, and 2 points
Use these for tiny or well-understood work. If a story is repeatedly estimated as zero, ask whether it is really a task, a dependency, or already done.
fibonacci scale template
Fibonacci Scale Template for Story Points
A Fibonacci scale gives teams enough precision for small work and enough distance between large numbers to admit uncertainty. Use it as a decision aid, not a substitute for splitting unclear stories.
Template cards and when to use them
The labels are less important than shared calibration. Keep a few reference stories nearby so the team can compare new work to completed examples.
3 and 5 points
These are common sprint-ready sizes. The work has some implementation detail, but the team can explain the likely path and acceptance criteria without much uncertainty.
8 and 13 points
Use larger values when scope, unknowns, or coordination risk increase. A repeated 13 is often a signal to split the story before sprint commitment.
21 points
Treat 21 as a warning label, not a comfortable commitment. It usually means the team should identify slices, spikes, or acceptance-criteria gaps.
Question mark
The question mark is useful when the voter lacks enough information to estimate responsibly. Discuss the missing detail before forcing a number.
Coffee
Coffee is a humane pause card. Use it when people need a break, the story discussion is drifting, or the group has hit meeting fatigue.
How to run the scale well
- Show reference stories before voting starts.
- Vote privately so one senior estimate does not anchor the room.
- Reveal together and discuss the largest spread first.
- Split stories that stay large after clarification.
- Record the final estimate with the note that changed the team's mind.
Related workflows
FAQ
Why does Fibonacci skip numbers?
The gaps help teams express uncertainty. Large work rarely deserves exact-looking numbers, so the wider spacing nudges teams toward discussion and splitting.
Should every team use 21?
No. Some teams cap the deck at 13 to force earlier splitting. Use the highest value that supports useful decisions without normalizing oversized stories.
Can FreeScrumPoker use a custom Fibonacci deck?
Yes. FreeScrumPoker supports custom decks when your team needs different labels or wants to remove values that create poor planning habits.