How to calculate remaining time estimate including subtask work logs in JIRA

Other Questions Jira
1

I’m working with JIRA for our agile development process and having issues with time tracking calculations.

My Setup:

  • Using Scrum methodology with sprint boards
  • Product manager creates user stories in the backlog
  • Development team provides initial time estimates for each story
  • During sprints, developers break stories into smaller subtasks
  • Work gets logged against individual subtasks as they’re completed

The Problem:
When team members log hours on subtasks, the parent story’s remaining estimate doesn’t update automatically. I expected it would subtract logged time from all child tasks, but it only considers work logged directly on the parent story.

Expected Calculation:

Remaining Time = Initial Estimate - (Parent Story Logs + All Subtask Logs)

Current Behavior:
Even with “Include sub-tasks” enabled, remaining time only decreases when logging work directly on the main story.

Example Scenario:

  • Story “Feature Development” estimated at 5 days
  • Created subtasks: “Database Setup” and “API Implementation”
  • Logged 1 day on Database Setup
  • Logged 1 day on API Implementation
  • Parent story still shows 5 days remaining instead of 3 days

Has anyone found a solution or configuration that makes JIRA automatically include subtask work logs in the parent story’s remaining estimate calculation?

2

The issue you’re facing can be quite frustrating, especially when it impacts sprint planning. It’s essential to review your project’s configuration for time tracking. Navigate to Project Settings and ensure that you have enabled ‘Sum sub-task estimates and time spent.’ However, do note that this primarily affects how estimates are aggregated, not the remaining time recalculations. Make certain that your subtasks are defined correctly in JIRA as subtasks and not simply linked issues. A practical approach is to input estimates directly on the subtasks and leave the parent story’s estimate at zero, allowing JIRA to manage the calculations seamlessly.

3

sounds like ur using the wrong time trackin scheme mate. go to project settings > issue types > story and check if “sum up” is enabled for time trackin fields. also make sure subtasks are actually linked properly and not just regular issues. worked for me after switchin this on.