What are Agile metrics and how do you use them?

Agile metrics provide data for inspection and adaptation. Key metrics: (1) Velocity — story points completed per Sprint; used for Sprint capacity planning and release forecasting; (2) Cycle Time — time from when work starts to when it's done; measures process efficiency; (3) Lead Time — time from request to delivery; measures responsiveness to customers; (4) Sprint Burndown — remaining work in current Sprint; shows if Sprint Goal is at risk; (5) Throughput — number of items completed per Sprint; flow-based alternative to velocity; (6) Escaped Defects — bugs found in production vs. Sprint; measures quality; (7) Team Health/Happiness — morale surveys, NPS for team satisfaction; (8) DORA Metrics — Deployment Frequency, Lead Time for Changes, Change Failure Rate, Time to Restore (engineering excellence metrics from DevOps Research and Assessment). Anti-pattern: using velocity to compare teams or pressure individuals. Metrics are for the team's self-improvement, not management oversight. Focus on trends over time, not absolute values.