---
title: What does velocity refer to in a Scrum Team?
description: "[Velocity](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/velocity/) refers to the measure of the work a [Scrum Team](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/scrum-team/) completes during a single Sprint. This metric is typically represented by the sum of story points or a count of [Product Backlog](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/a-scrum-artifact-that-consists-of-an-ordered-list-of-the-work-to-be-done-in-order-to-create-maintain-and-sustain-a-product-managed-by-the-product-owner/) items that are completed. By averaging this…"
url: "https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/docs/what-does-velocity-refer-to-in-a-scrum-team/"
updated: "2024-12-19"
category: Good Practices / Velocity
---

# What does velocity refer to in a Scrum Team?

[Velocity](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/velocity/) refers to the measure of the work a [Scrum Team](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/scrum-team/) completes during a single Sprint. This metric is typically represented by the sum of story points or a count of [Product Backlog](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/a-scrum-artifact-that-consists-of-an-ordered-list-of-the-work-to-be-done-in-order-to-create-maintain-and-sustain-a-product-managed-by-the-product-owner/) items that are completed. By averaging this metric over time, the [Scrum Team](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/scrum-team/) can gauge their output and use this information to [Forecast](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/forecast/) future Sprints based on past performance.

The main purpose of tracking [Velocity](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/velocity/) is to provide the [Scrum Team](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/scrum-team/) with a clearer understanding of their capacity for work. By doing so, it aids in planning and setting realistic expectations for upcoming Sprints. It's important to note that [Velocity](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/velocity/) is a tool for internal use within the team to help with adaptive planning, not a measure of productivity or worth in isolation.