How is a risk score calculated?

On a 5x5 matrix, the score is the likelihood (1 to 5) multiplied by the impact (1 to 5), which gives a value from 1 to 25.

What score is a high risk?

Here, 10 to 14 is High and 15 to 25 is Critical. These bands are a common starting point: set your own criteria before you assess.

Is a low risk accepted automatically?

No. A level never decides on its own: even a low risk is accepted only by its risk owner, and that decision is recorded.

Free tool

5x5 risk matrix calculator

Choose the likelihood and the impact of a risk: the score is their product, and the matrix shows where it sits. No account needed.

Likelihood

Impact

9Moderate

Likelihood (rows) by impact (columns). Your risk is outlined.
Likelihood	Negligible	Minor	Moderate	Major	Severe
Almost certain	5	10	15	20	25
Likely	4	8	12	16	20
Possible	3	6	9	12	15
Unlikely	2	4	6	8	10
Rare	1	2	3	4	5

How to read it

The levels here are Low (1 to 4), Moderate (5 to 9), High (10 to 14) and Critical (15 to 25). Write down what each level of likelihood and impact means in your company, so that two people score the same risk alike.

Questions

How is a risk score calculated?: On a 5x5 matrix, the score is the likelihood (1 to 5) multiplied by the impact (1 to 5), which gives a value from 1 to 25.
What score is a high risk?: Here, 10 to 14 is High and 15 to 25 is Critical. These bands are a common starting point: set your own criteria before you assess.
Is a low risk accepted automatically?: No. A level never decides on its own: even a low risk is accepted only by its risk owner, and that decision is recorded.