This article explains how Review Admins create a performance ratings rubric, which maps normalized formula scores to performance levels.
Before You Begin
- You must have a performance ratings formula already created. See Create a performance ratings formula for instructions.
- You must have Review Admin access. This feature is available on the Perform and Total Platform pricing packages.
Steps
- Click Reviews in the left-hand navigation.
- Click the Template configuration tab.
- Click the Rubrics tab.
- Click Create template in the upper-right corner.
- In the pop-up, click Rubrics, then click Create.
- Enter a name in the Rubric Name field.
- In the Add performance categories and point ranges for the designations section, complete the fields for your first category:
- Category name — title of the performance level
- Score range (Min / Max) — whole integers only; no decimals or negative values
- Description — brief explanation of what this level represents
- Click Add category to add another category.
Note: Rubrics require a minimum of 3 categories and a maximum of 8. Score ranges must not overlap and must be continuous — if the first category ends at 33, the next must begin at 34.
- Repeat steps 7–8 until all categories are defined.
- Click Create rubric.
Designing Rubric Categories for Your Organization
The rubric translates normalized formula scores (0–100) into performance levels your managers and employees will see. When designing categories, consider:
Match your existing language. If your organization already uses terms like "Below Expectations," "Meeting Expectations," and "Exceeding Expectations," use those same terms as category names. This reduces confusion during calibration and sharing.
Common approaches:
| Scale | Example Categories |
|---|---|
| 3-point | Below Expectations (0–33), Meeting Expectations (34–66), Exceeding Expectations (67–100) |
| 4-point | Underperforming (0–24), Some Improvement Needed (25–49), Meeting Expectations (50–74), Exceeding Expectations (75–100) |
| 5-point | Significantly Below (0–19), Below Expectations (20–39), Meeting Expectations (40–59), Above Expectations (60–79), Significantly Above (80–100) |
Score ranges must be continuous. If your first category ends at 33, the next must begin at 34. Gaps between categories will cause a validation error on save.
What to Expect After Saving
The new rubric appears on the Rubrics page in both Card and Grid view. If the rubric does not appear, refresh the page and confirm you clicked Create rubric in step 10.
If Something Goes Wrong
| Issue | Check | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Create rubric button is not clickable | Fewer than 3 categories are defined | Add categories until the minimum of 3 is met |
| Score range validation error on save | Score ranges overlap or leave a gap between categories | Adjust Min/Max values so ranges are continuous with no overlap |
| Rubric does not appear after saving | Page has not refreshed | Refresh the Rubrics page and search by rubric name |
| Create template button is not visible | User does not have Review Admin access | Contact your 15Five admin to confirm role assignment |
Not Covered Here
This article does not cover editing, deleting, or reassigning rubrics to active cycles. See Edit or delete a performance ratings rubric and .