Score your project risk.
Rate each risk by how likely it is and how badly it would hurt. The 5 by 5 matrix ranks them so the red-zone risks get attention before the rest.
A 5 by 5 risk matrix scores likelihood and severity from 1 to 5 each. Risk score = likelihood × severity, from 1 to 25. Bands: 1 to 5 low, 6 to 12 medium, 13 to 25 high. High-zone risks need an active mitigation plan, not just monitoring.
Your risks
The matrix
A matrix is a snapshot. Risk moves.
This scores the risks you rate today. POD reads the signals your team already records and tracks how each risk trends, which ones are materializing, and whether your contingency still covers the red zone.
Questions & answers
A 5x5 risk matrix scores likelihood and severity from 1 to 5 each. The risk score is likelihood multiplied by severity, ranging from 1 to 25. Scores are banded into low, medium, and high zones so you can rank risks and focus on the ones in the red.
Method & sources
Each risk is scored on a 5×5 matrix — likelihood times severity, one to twenty-five — then banded low, medium or high. The matrix is a communication and triage tool, not a precise measurement: it ranks and sorts attention, it does not price exposure in dollars (that is the cost-overrun tool). Keep the scoring consistent across risks so the ranking means something.
Sources: ISO 31000 — Risk management guidelines · PMI PMBOK Guide (qualitative risk analysis)
Methodology reviewed by the Plan of Day construction team · July 2026
You score likelihood and severity; the matrix just ranks them.
Track risk as it moves on your project.
POD keeps a live risk register and heatmap for the job, updated from what your team already reports, so a rising risk changes color on the board instead of waiting for the next review meeting.
Last updated: July 2026