Distinctions
Is
- The practice of limiting the maximum number of items allowed in a backlog at any given time.
Is Not
| Concept | Why It’s Different |
|---|---|
| Backlog prioritization | Orders work but does not limit quantity |
| WIP limits | Constrains work in progress, not work queued |
| Sprint capacity | Limits work per iteration, not backlog size |
| Scope control | Manages project scope but doesn’t limit backlog accumulation |
Boundary
Backlog capping constrains how much work may exist in the queue, not how work is prioritized or executed.
Examples
- Maximum N items in backlog
- Maximum N weeks/months of work
- Maximum N epics