Both are Agile approaches, but Scrum is a time-boxed, role-based framework while Kanban is a continuous-flow method focused on visualizing work and limiting work in progress (WIP). Many teams blend them ("Scrumban").
Both are Agile approaches, but Scrum is a time-boxed, role-based framework while Kanban is a continuous-flow method focused on visualizing work and limiting work in progress (WIP). Many teams blend them ("Scrumban").
| Aspect | Scrum | Kanban |
|---|
| Cadence | Fixed Sprints | Continuous flow |
| Roles | PO, Scrum Master, Developers | No prescribed roles |
| Cadence of change | Backlog stable in-Sprint | Reprioritize anytime |
| Key metric | Velocity | Cycle time, throughput |
| Core constraint | Sprint commitment | WIP limits |
| Best for | Planable, batched work | Interrupt-driven flow (e.g. support) |
A product team building features in two-week batches fits Scrum. A support or ops team handling a steady stream of unpredictable tickets fits Kanban, pulling the next item whenever capacity frees up under a WIP limit.
Picking the model that matches how work actually arrives prevents constant friction between the process and reality.
Understanding both lets you tailor the approach — for example using Kanban's WIP limits inside a Scrum team to improve flow.