The Quick Answer
Agile is a mindset based on the values and principles in the Agile Manifesto.
Scrum is a specific framework that implements Agile principles with defined roles, ceremonies, and rules.
Think of it this way: Agile is the philosophy. Scrum is one way to practice it. All Scrum teams are Agile, but not all Agile teams use Scrum.
What is Agile?
- →A mindset and philosophy
- →Based on 4 values, 12 principles
- →No specific implementation rules
- →Applies to any team or industry
- →Flexible and adaptable
- →Think: "the spirit of how we work"
What is Scrum?
- →A specific framework
- →Implements Agile principles
- →Has defined roles and ceremonies
- →Designed for software development
- →Structured with clear rules
- →Think: "the system we follow"
Key Differences at a Glance
Type
Mindset / Philosophy
Framework / Methodology
Scope
Broad principles that apply to many fields
Specific rules for software development teams
Flexibility
Adapt the principles to your context
Follow defined roles, events, and artifacts
Structure
No prescribed structure
Sprints, ceremonies, roles are defined
Team Roles
Not specified
Product Owner, Scrum Master, Developers
Time Boxes
Encourages iterative delivery
Requires fixed-length sprints (1-4 weeks)
How They Relate
Scrum is Agile, but Agile isn't always Scrum
Scrum follows Agile principles. It's one of many Agile frameworks. Others include Kanban, Extreme Programming (XP), Lean, and Crystal. They all embrace Agile values but implement them differently.
You can be Agile without doing Scrum
A marketing team might embrace Agile values—iterative work, collaboration, responding to change—without using Scrum ceremonies like sprint planning or daily standups. They're still Agile.
You can do Scrum badly and not be Agile
Some teams follow Scrum rituals mechanically—standups, retrospectives, sprints—but ignore Agile values. They resist change, avoid collaboration, and prioritize process over people. That's “Scrum but not Agile.”
When Should You Use Each?
You want general principles to guide your team
If you need flexibility to create your own process, embrace Agile values without a specific framework.
You need a ready-made framework with clear rules
Scrum gives you structure: defined roles, ceremonies, and artifacts. Great for teams starting their Agile journey.
Your work is unpredictable and requirements change often
Agile embraces change. Scrum provides a structured way to manage that change through sprints and retrospectives.
You have a small team building software
Scrum is designed for small teams (typically 5-9 people) working on software. It's a natural fit.
You work in marketing, HR, or other non-dev teams
Agile principles apply beyond software. You can be Agile without using Scrum's software-specific ceremonies.
You want to combine practices from multiple frameworks
Use Kanban boards, XP practices, and Lean principles together under the Agile umbrella.
Why People Confuse Them
Scrum is the most popular Agile framework
When people say “we're doing Agile,” they often mean “we're doing Scrum.” The terms get used interchangeably, even though they're not the same.
Job postings blur the lines
Many “Agile” job descriptions list Scrum ceremonies as requirements. This reinforces the misconception that Agile = Scrum.
Certifications focus on Scrum
There's no “Certified Agile Practitioner” (well, there is, but it's less common). Most people get Scrum certifications, which further cements the Agile = Scrum association.
The Bottom Line
Agile is the “why”—the values and principles that guide how teams work. Scrum is the “how”—a structured framework with roles, ceremonies, and artifacts that implement those values.
If you want flexibility and general principles, embrace Agile. If you need a ready-made system with clear guardrails, try Scrum. And remember: you can be Agile without Scrum, but you can't do Scrum without being Agile (at least not well).
Pro tip: Don't get hung up on labels. Focus on delivering value, collaborating effectively, and adapting as you learn. That's what Agile is really about.
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