A rubric maps normalized formula scores to named performance levels — such as "Above Level" or "Below Level" — so reviewers and admins see clear designations instead of raw numbers. Rubrics work alongside Performance Ratings+ formulas: the formula produces a normalized score, and the rubric determines what that score means. You manage all rubrics from the Rubrics tab inside Template configuration.
Feature Structure
Objects
- Rubric — A named set of performance categories, each with a score range and description. Minimum 3 categories, maximum 8.
- Performance category — One tier within a rubric (e.g., "At Level: 31-79").
- 15Five Recommended Performance Rubric — A pre-configured 3-tier rubric available to all companies.
Areas and surfaces
- Reviews -> Template configuration -> Rubrics tab — Lists all rubrics. Supports card view and grid view. Provides search and sort controls.
- Review cycle settings -> Performance Ratings+ section — Where you assign a rubric to a specific cycle.
The 15Five Recommended Performance Rubric
All accounts include a pre-configured rubric designed by 15Five. It defines three tiers:
| Category | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Above Level | 80-100 |
| At Level | 31-79 |
| Below Level | 0-30 |
This rubric pairs directly with 15Five's recommended Self & Manager Review template and the built-in Performance Ratings+ formula. Use it to get started without configuring a rubric from scratch.
Key Rules
- Each review cycle uses exactly one rubric. Multiple active cycles may each use a different rubric.
- Score ranges must use whole integers — no decimals or negative values.
- Score ranges must not overlap and must be continuous across all categories.
- You can edit a rubric until the first review is submitted in any cycle using that rubric.
- You cannot delete a rubric while it is assigned to an active or previous review cycle.
- Once a cycle's first review is submitted, the rubric assigned to that cycle cannot be changed.