Free template, copy and use

Free backlog refinement template

Refinement gets backlog items ready before sprint planning. This template walks each item through what's needed, how big it is, what it depends on and whether it's ready.

Let Acta fill it in

Paste it into Google Docs, Word, Notion or an email. Replace the [brackets].

Backlog refinement template

Session

Team: [team] | Date: [date] | Product owner: [name]

Items to refine

[Item] | Priority: [ ]

For each item

Acceptance criteria: [ ]

Estimate: [points / size]

Dependencies: [ ]

Open questions: [ ] | Owner: [name]

Ready for sprint: Yes / No

Split or removed

[Item] -> [smaller items] | [Item] removed because [ ]

Ready for next sprint

[Items]

How to use this template

Refine items for the next one or two sprints, not the whole backlog.
Split anything too big to finish in one sprint.
Give every open question an owner before the session ends.

Skip the typing

Acta records your Zoom, Google Meet and Teams meetings, with or without a bot, and writes the notes for you: a summary, decisions, next steps and action items with owners, next to the transcript. Free for 15 days.

Try Acta free Jira tickets from the meeting

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Frequently asked questions

What is backlog refinement?

A regular session where the team clarifies, estimates and splits upcoming backlog items so they're ready for sprint planning.

How often should you refine the backlog?

Once or twice a sprint, for about an hour.

Is this backlog refinement template free?

Yes. Copy it into Google Docs, Word, Notion or an email and use it as often as you like. No sign-up needed.

Can AI fill in the backlog refinement for me?

Yes. Acta records the meeting on Zoom, Google Meet or Microsoft Teams, with or without a bot, or in person with the mobile app, and writes the notes, decisions and action items with owners afterwards. Anything the meeting didn't cover is left out, not made up.