---
title: What role do features play in the decomposition of a Product Backlog?
description: "Features are a secondary level of decomposition below an [Epic](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/epic/) and above smaller [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. They can be considered large [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 themselves and often need to be decomposed further into individual, smaller [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. For example,…"
url: "https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/docs/what-role-do-features-play-in-the-decomposition-of-a-product-backlog/"
updated: "2024-12-19"
category: Artifacts / Product Backlog
---

# What role do features play in the decomposition of a Product Backlog?

Features are a secondary level of decomposition below an [Epic](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/epic/) and above smaller [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. They can be considered large [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 themselves and often need to be decomposed further into individual, smaller [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. For example, a [Feature](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/feature/) could be 'User Profile Management' within an [Epic](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/epic/) related to user account functionality.

Features provide a manageable [Scope](https://www.thescrummaster.co.uk/glossary/scope/) of work that can be divided into specific, actionable items. They help bridge the gap between high-level epics and the detailed tasks that need to be executed during a Sprint. By breaking features down into smaller items, teams can ensure that each piece of work is clear, prioritised, and ready for development.