Bug estimates aren't included in velocity numbers

Question

Hi Jira gurus,

I need your help with making Jira to include bug estimates in velocity reports.

We are using Jira cloud. I've added Story Point Estimate field to the Scrum Bug screen. When I create bugs I can see and enter the estimation field. But the estimation is not counted in the velocity or current sprint size reports.

There are many bugs that get assigned to the sprint during sprint planning. Without bug estimations included in reports, it looks like the team delivers less work at the end of sprint. For example, let's say our velocity is 72 points. We take on user stories worth of 50 points, and 5 bugs each estimated at 4 points. You'd think the sprint size would say 70, but it doesn't - it says 50.

How could I fix it?

Elvin Badalov · Answer

Hi Petterson,

Did you have a chance to watch the video? I am confused as to what happens if I stop using Story Point Estimates and start using Story Points.

Elvin Badalov · Answer

I decided to record my screen instead to avoid any confusions. Would you please take a look and see what is happening?

The link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1EaPUTIHgYAKOHJwKWty7AUAJWQXE_QT_/view?usp=sharing

Petter Gonçalves · Answer

Hello Elvin,

The field "Story Point Estimate" is a Jira default field. This field belongs to the project template "Next-Gen" (also known as Agility).

The main difference between this field and the field "Story points" is that the "Story points" field (a field which belongs to the "classic" projects) allows you to edit its context, while "Story Point Estimate" is locked.

That been said, for a classic project, I recommend you to use the "Story points" field.

About the story points displaying in the issue view, it should be displaying properly in the old issue view if it has a valid value added to it:

I recommend you to check the following:

- Navigate to project > Project Settings > Fields > Check if the Story Points is not hidden on your project

- When creating the Story, make sure you have properly configured a valid value for the Story Points field

We will be waiting for your answer.