Automation rule: sum of original estimate in subtask to be copied as story point in Story issue type

[Neeta Dubey]

Need help to create a  rule which calculates the story points for a story ticket based on the sum of original estimates in its subtasks. Estimates are converted to story points where 1 day equals 1 story point,

and estimates less than 5 hours are considered as 0.5 days.

estimate more thann 5 hrs are considered as 1 day

[Hari Krishna · Accepted solution]

Hi @Neeta Dubey ,

This can be done using Project Automation with lookup + smart values.

Trigger

When: Issue updated

Condition: Issue type = Sub-task

(Optional) Only when Original Estimate changes

Branch

Related issues → Parent (Story)

Lookup issues

parent = {{issue.key}}

(This fetches all subtasks of the Story)

Create variable (for total story points)

Name: totalSP

Value:

{{#=}}
{{lookupIssues.sum(
estimateSeconds >= 18000 ? 1 :
estimateSeconds > 0 ? 0.5 : 0
)}}
{{/}}

Exp:

18000 seconds = 5 hours

≥ 5 hours → 1 point

< 5 hours → 0.5 point

No estimate → 0

Action

Edit issue (Story)

Set Story Points to:

{{totalSP}}

[Neeta Dubey]

this show error. here is the log and rule.

[Hari Krishna]

The error is happening because Jira Automation does NOT support conditional logic (? :) inside lookupIssues.sum().
That’s why you’re seeing “Unable to render smart values / Empty expression”.

Direct math inside sum() won’t work.

Simple Working Approach (supported way)

Do it in two steps using branches, not one formula.

Trigger

Issue updated

Issue type = Sub-task

Original Estimate is not empty

Branch

Related issues → Parent

Lookup issues

parent = {{issue.key}}

Create variable – totalSP

{{#=}}
{{lookupIssues.sum(estimateSeconds) / 28800}}
{{/}}

Explanation:

28800 seconds = 1 working day (8 hrs)

Jira supports basic math, not conditionals

This gives correct Story Points in days

Edit issue (Story)

Story Points = {{totalSP}}

About the 0.5 / 1 day rule

Jira Automation cannot bucket values like:

<5 hrs = 0.5

>5 hrs = 1

…inside a single rule. That logic requires:

Multiple rules, or

Workflow validators / scripting (ScriptRunner)

[Neeta Dubey]

Hi Hari, 

I've script runner plugin also. I'll try that , I was assuming that if its possible to achive via Automation rule, but this explanation helps. Thanks!

[Bill Sheboy]

Hi @Hari Krishna 

What is the source for the information in your initial post, as that would not work in an Atlassian Automation rule?

https://community.atlassian.com/forums/Jira-questions/Automation-rule-sum-of-original-estimate-in-subtask-to-be-copied/qaa-p/3164084#M1161917

As a reminder, when posting bot / AI-generated content, particularly for automation rules, it should be first validated and then the source disclosed in the text of the post.  To learn more, please see the community guidelines:

https://community.atlassian.com/forums/custom/page/page-id/rules-of-engagement

Kind regards,
Bill

[Hari Krishna]

Sorry for the misunderstanding. The solution was proposed by me based on my own calculations; it was intended as an overview and not a complete rule. I apologize if it came across as inappropriate. I will be more careful going forward and ensure better clarity next time. And thanks for the advice.

Thank you.

[Bill Sheboy]

Hi @Neeta Dubey 

Although it is possible to use list iteration and filtering to perform the value mapping and summation you describe in an automation rule, why not just use time-based estimation rather than Story Points?  That will save time, confusion, and reduce the chance of errors in moving back-and-forth between the units of measure.

If you still want to perform this type of value mapping, here are some sources to help:

• Getting started with automation rules: https://www.atlassian.com/software/jira/guides/automation/overview#what-is-automation
• List iteration: https://support.atlassian.com/cloud-automation/docs/jira-smart-values-lists/#Combined-function-examples
• List filtering (to help with the value mapping): https://community.atlassian.com/forums/Automation-articles/Filtering-smart-value-lists/ba-p/1827588
• Smart value, math expressions: https://support.atlassian.com/cloud-automation/docs/jira-smart-values-math-expressions/

Kind regards,
Bill