Make the "Original estimate" field required when creating work items

Platform Notice: Cloud Only - This article only applies to Atlassian products on the cloud platform.

Summary

This article explains how to configure your Jira project to make the Original Estimate field mandatory during work item creation.

Solution

The Original estimate is part of Jira's Time Tracking feature

The "Original Estimate" field is part of Jira's Time Tracking feature and works in conjunction with the "Time Remaining" field. These two fields are designed to help teams estimate and monitor the time required to complete tasks.

The Original Estimate field will only be available when Time Tracking is enabled for the project. It can't function independently, as it relies on Time Tracking being active to display and operate correctly. Together, these fields support effective time management and task progress tracking.

Add the Original estimate field and make it required

To make the Original Estimate field mandatory, you must add the field to the work item creation screen and mark it as required. To achieve it, follow these steps:

  1. Add the field Time Tracking to the relevant work type's create screen:

    1. Go to Project settings.

    2. Click Work items > Screens.

    3. In the screen scheme associated with the desired work type, click the screen associated with the Create issue operation.

    4. Scroll to the bottom of the page.

    5. On the dropdown, find the Time Tracking field and select it.

    6. The field is now part of the work item creation screen.

  2. Make the Time tracking field required:

    1. Go to Project settings.

    2. Click Work items > Fields.

    3. Click the pencil icon.

    4. Find the Time Tracking field on the list.

    5. Under Actions, click Required.

      1. Note: This will make the field required across all work types that use this field configuration.

  3. Changes will apply immediately, and users will now be required to fill in the Original Estimate when creating a work item.

Related content

Updated on June 5, 2025

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