| Aspect | Scrum | Kanban |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Agile framework | Agile method / flow system |
| Work cadence | Fixed-length iterations called sprints (usually 1–4 weeks) | Continuous flow, no fixed timeboxes |
| Planning style | Work is planned and committed at the start of each sprint | Work is pulled continuously as capacity becomes available |
| Change handling | Changes during a sprint are discouraged | Changes can be made at any time |
| Roles | Clearly defined roles: Product Owner, Scrum Master, Scrum Team | No mandatory roles |
| Ceremonies | Mandatory ceremonies (Sprint Planning, Daily Scrum, Review, Retrospective) | No required ceremonies |
| Work limits | No explicit WIP limits | Strong focus on WIP limits |
| Primary visual tool | Sprint board, burndown chart | Kanban board, cumulative flow diagram (CFD) |
| Key metrics | Velocity, sprint burndown | Lead time, cycle time |
| Delivery model | Delivery typically happens at the end of a sprint | Delivery can happen any time |
| Best suited for | Teams doing planned feature development | Teams handling unpredictable or operational work |
1️⃣ How work flows
Scrum works in chunks of time
You decide what to do for the next sprint and try not to change it.Kanban works as a steady stream
You pick up work whenever you have capacity.
2️⃣ How flexible it is
Scrum values predictability
Once a sprint starts, the plan stays mostly fixed.Kanban values adaptability
Priorities can change immediately if needed.
3️⃣ How teams are structured
Scrum is structured and prescriptive
Roles and meetings are mandatory.Kanban is lightweight
Teams decide what roles and meetings they need.
4️⃣ How overload is prevented
- Scrum limits work indirectly using sprint capacity.
- Kanban limits work directly using WIP limits.
This is why Kanban is excellent at reducing bottlenecks.
Simple Real-World Analogy
- Scrum is like planning meals for the entire week on Sunday.
- Kanban is like cooking meals only when you are hungry and have time.
Both work. One is more structured, the other more flexible.
One-Line.
Scrum delivers work in fixed sprints with defined roles and ceremonies, while Kanban delivers work continuously using WIP limits to optimize flow.
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