Estimating tasks in your backlog helps you predict how long it would take you to deliver certain portions of the backlog. There is a distinction between estimation and tracking. Estimation is typically performed against Primary Backlog Task Items, and is used to work out how long portions of the backlog might take to be delivered. Tracking refers to monitoring the progress of a sprint, to be sure that all tasks included in the sprint will be delivered.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Time estimates are in 15 minute increments only
- Do your best to estimate; it’s just a guess
- The more honest/accurate you are about your estimates, the better able you will be to predict future projects