User Story Template - Free Download & Example

User stories form the backbone of every agile project and translate user needs into concrete development tasks. This template helps you write effective user stories following the standard "As a [role], I want [action], so that [value]" format. It includes sections for acceptance criteria, story points, priority, dependencies and a Definition of Ready checklist. By consistently documenting user stories you create a shared understanding between product owner, developers and testers about what needs to be built.

Variations

How to use

Step 1: Download the user story template and open it in your project management tool or text editor. Step 2: Identify the user role that benefits from the feature and fill in the "As a [role]" section. Step 3: Describe the desired action from the user perspective in the "I want [action]" section. Step 4: Articulate the business value or goal in the "so that [value]" section — this helps the team understand why the feature matters. Step 5: Write acceptance criteria in Given-When-Then format, each criterion describing one testable scenario. Step 6: Estimate complexity with story points and set the priority based on business value. Step 7: Note any dependencies on other stories, external systems or data sets. Step 8: Check that the story meets the Definition of Ready before including it in a sprint.