How to monitor whether tasks are still within the original estimation?

[Marco Tacq]

Within our projects we want to focus more on whether tasks are done within the original estimation. The reason for that is managing the project better on the control parameter money and to improve the process of estimating for next projects.

I'd like to create a report/dashboard that contains the following: A list with tasks and sun tasks and per (sub) task the Original estimate, Time spent, Time remaining, Forecast (= Time spent + Time remaining) and Result (= Original estimate - Forecast). At the bottom of the list I'd like to have a line with totals.

Additional remarks:

1. I understand that the fields Original estimate, Time spent and Time remaining are standard, the other fields not.

2. If a task has sub tasks, the numbers of the sub task must be rolled up into task.

Does anyone have done this before and/or has some ideas how to do this?

[Nick _CodeCove_ · Accepted solution]

Hey @Marco Tacq 

Jira doesn't have calculated fields, so Forecast and Result won't work natively. Here's what people do:

JQL + CSV export — filter with originalEstimate > 0, export Original Estimate / Time Spent / Remaining to a spreadsheet, calculate there. Free, works for periodic checks.

Subtask roll-up — Jira Cloud aggregates subtask time in the parent's time tracking panel, but it's flaky in list views. Workaround: Automation for Jira rule on worklog change → sum into a custom field on parent.

EazyBI — custom reports with calculated columns and hierarchy rollup. Paid though.

I'm building a Forge app called Timesheets for Jira covers a lot of this. — in the timesheet grid you can turn on Estimate, Remaining, and Util% columns and see estimate vs actual per issue. Also has a Capacity Variance report with forecast and pace. Free on the Marketplace right now, check it out if interested.



Link:
https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1953748476/timesheets-for-jira-time-tracking-approvals

[Marco Tacq]

Hi Nick, thanks for your answer and your suggestions. I will look into this.

[abhishek_sharma03 · Accepted solution]

1.  Jira lacks a "Totals" row and real-time math columns like Forecast or Result.

2. Use the Structure (by Tempo) app. It handles Task/Sub-task nesting perfectly and allows for Formula Columns. You can define Forecast as timeSpent + remainingEstimate and Result as originalEstimate - Forecast with automated totals at the bottom.

3. If you're on Jira Premium, Advanced Roadmaps (Plans) provides native roll-ups for estimates and spent time, though custom math is limited.

4. Use the Jira Cloud for Excel/Google Sheets add-on. Exporting the raw data (Spent, Original, Remaining) allows you to run precise formulas and "Totals" rows in a format that is actually boardroom-ready.

[Marco Tacq]

Hi Abhishek, thanks for your answer. I think I'll go for the export first.

[Trudy Claspill]

Hello @Marco Tacq 

Welcome to the Atlassian community.

Are you open to using third party apps to achieve your requirement?

[Marco Tacq]

Hi Trudy, I hope I can do without. Earlier, I received some pointers how to solve it.