---
title: "Risk matrix"
canonical: "https://support.appfire.com/space/RM/3459187103/Risk%20matrix"
format: markdown
---
Use **Risk matrix** (**Space settings** > **Apps** > **Appfire LiveRisk** > **Risk matrix**) to define how risks are scored in the current Jira space. The matrix maps combinations of impact and probability to a risk tier and score. The configuration also determines the tier names, colors, and scores shown across LiveRisk.
You must configure the matrix before users begin scoring risks. Changes apply only to the current space.
> ℹ️ ## Important
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ Changing an established matrix can affect existing risk scores. Review the impact of your changes before saving, especially when reducing the matrix size or changing tier scores.
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ ### How changes affect existing risks
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ The matrix configuration is used for **Inherent score**, **Current score**, and **Target score**. Each score is positioned on the matrix using its impact and probability values and receives the tier assigned to that cell.
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ Tier names, scores, colors, and axis labels can therefore differ between spaces.
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ Changing the matrix size, axis structure, cell assignments, or tier scores can change how existing risks map to the matrix. Scores that no longer fit the configured boundaries are corrected the next time the risk is recalculated or re-estimated. Until then, the risk details may show that a stored score falls outside the current matrix.
> ⚠️ Complete the following sections in order, as later settings depend on the axes and tiers you define.
## 1. Set the axis labels
The matrix uses one axis for columns and another for rows.
By default:
- **Columns axis label:** Impact
- **Rows axis label:** Probability
You can rename either axis to match the terminology used by your organization. The labels appear on matrix views throughout the space.
## 2. Set the matrix size
Enter the number of values required for each axis.
Each axis can contain between **2 and 10** values. The default configuration is a **5 × 5** matrix.
Because the axes are configured separately, the matrix does not have to be square. For example, you can create a matrix with five impact values and four probability values.
Changing the matrix size immediately updates the axis-value sections and the matrix preview. When you add values, complete their names and descriptions before saving.
> ⚠️ Reducing the matrix size can leave existing risk scores outside the new matrix boundaries. Affected risks may show a warning until their scores are recalculated or estimated again.
## 3. Define the axis values
Use the **Impact axis descriptions** and **Probability axis descriptions** sections to define what each level means.
For each value, you can:
- edit its name directly in the **Value** field,
- select **Edit** to add or update its description,
- use the arrows to change its position on the axis.
Descriptions can contain up to **2,000 characters**. Use clear, measurable criteria so that users apply each value consistently when scoring risks.
Every axis value must have a description before you can save the matrix.
> ℹ️ #### Example
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ An impact axis could progress from:
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ **Negligible → Minor → Moderate → Major → Severe**
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ A probability axis could progress from:
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ **Remote → Unlikely → Possible → Likely → Almost Certain**
> ℹ️
> ℹ️ The order determines how the values appear in the matrix preview and risk score selectors.
## 4. Configure the tiers
Tiers group matrix cells into meaningful risk levels. Each tier has:
- an order,
- a color,
- a name,
- a numeric score.
Tier names and scores can be customized to match your organization’s risk model. Use the arrows to reorder tiers. Edit the **Name** and **Score** fields directly, and select the color swatch to choose a preset color, use the color picker, or enter a hexadecimal color value.
Select **Add tier** to create another tier.
### Delete a tier
A tier cannot be deleted while matrix cells are assigned to it. To remove a tier that is in use:
1. Open **Migrate to** next to the tier.
2. Select the tier that should replace it.
3. Select the delete icon.
The assigned matrix cells move to the selected tier before the original tier is removed.
## 5. Set the risk appetite
Use **Risk appetite** to enter the target score that risks should remain below. The allowed range is **1–8**. The default value is **6**.
Risk appetite appears as a dashed reference line on risk trend charts, helping users compare changing risk scores with the space’s accepted target.
## 6. Assign tiers to matrix cells
The matrix preview shows every intersection of the two axes. Each cell represents one combination of impact and probability.
Click a cell to assign a tier. The cell then displays:
- the tier name,
- the tier score,
- the corresponding axis values.
Review the complete matrix to make sure each impact-and-probability combination maps to the appropriate tier. Changes to tier names, colors, scores, axis labels, and matrix size appear in the preview immediately.
## Save the configuration
Click **Save** to apply the configuration. The **Save** button remains unavailable until:
- every axis value has a description,
- every tier has a name,
- every tier has a valid hexadecimal color,
- every tier has a non-negative integer score.
Hover over the disabled **Save** button to see which requirements are incomplete. After the configuration is saved, LiveRisk displays a confirmation message.
Before saving, you can use:
- **Discard changes** to return to the last saved configuration.
- **Reset to defaults** to restore the default axes, values, tiers, scores, and risk appetite.
Resetting loads the default configuration into the editor. Review it before selecting **Save**.