Sprint Retrospective Templates
The template you choose shapes the conversation. This guide covers the most common retrospective formats and when each one works best.
Why the format matters
A template is just a set of prompts that decide what the team reflects on. Some focus on feelings, some on actions, some on learning. Switching it up every few sprints keeps people engaged and surfaces different kinds of insight. There is no single best format, only the one that fits what your team needs right now.
Mad / Sad / Glad
Three columns based on emotion: what made people mad, sad, and glad during the sprint. It is great for surfacing how the team actually felt, which numbers and status reports never show. Good when morale matters or tension is in the air. Read the full Mad Sad Glad guide.
Start / Stop / Continue
Three columns about behaviour: what to start doing, stop doing, and keep doing. It is the most action-oriented format, so it is a strong default when you want concrete changes rather than discussion. See the full Start Stop Continue guide.
Liked / Learned / Lacked
Three columns covering what the team liked, what they learned, and what was missing. It strikes a nice balance between feelings and facts, and the "learned" column is especially good for newer teams or after a tricky sprint.
Custom columns
Sometimes none of the standard formats fit. SprintRetro lets you set your own columns, so you can run something like What Went Well / What Did Not / Ideas, or anything else your team responds to. A custom format is also a good way to keep retros fresh once the standard ones start to feel routine.
Which should you choose?
If you are not sure, start with Start Stop Continue. It is simple and naturally leads to actions. Reach for Mad Sad Glad when you sense the team needs to talk about how things feel, and rotate in others to avoid autopilot. You can try any of them in a free session.
Try a template with your team
Start a free retro, pick Mad Sad Glad, Start Stop Continue, or a custom format, and reflect together. No account needed.