Backlog Refinement Batch Size: How Many Stories Per Session?
Queuing 30 stories for 90-minute session = rushed estimates or incomplete refinement. Optimal batch: 10-15 stories.
Batch Sizing Formula
Stories per session = (Session minutes - 15) / 5
- 60-min session: 9 stories
- 90-min session: 15 stories
- 120-min session: 21 stories (not recommended, fatigue sets in)
Quality Over Quantity
Better to estimate 10 stories well than 20 stories poorly. Unfinished stories roll to next refinement.