Nothing close enough? Start from a blank matrix → Describe it in one paragraph.
How to use a matrix template.
- 01List your identified risks
Provide a list of risk items — e.g. 'vendor delay, data breach, scope creep, key-person departure.' ChatDiagram places each on the matrix.
- 02Rate likelihood and impact
Assign each risk a likelihood (1–5) and impact (1–5) score. If you skip this step, ChatDiagram estimates from context clues in your description.
- 03Review the generated heat map
Risks appear as labeled cells color-coded from green to red. High-scoring risks in the upper-right corner demand immediate attention.
- 04Add mitigation notes
Ask ChatDiagram to annotate each high-risk cell with a suggested mitigation or owner — turns the matrix into an actionable register.
- 05Export for your risk report
Download as PNG or SVG and paste into your project charter, safety report, or board presentation.
Questions about matrix templates
What is a risk matrix?
A risk matrix (also called a risk heat map) is a two-dimensional grid that plots the likelihood of a risk occurring on one axis and the severity of its impact on the other. The intersection gives a risk score used to prioritize responses.
What does a 5×5 risk matrix mean?
A 5×5 matrix uses a 1–5 scale for both likelihood and impact, creating 25 cells. Risk scores range from 1 (low × low) to 25 (high × high). Scores above a threshold (often 12–15) are flagged as high risk.
How is a risk matrix different from a risk register?
A risk register is a detailed table listing risks, owners, dates, and mitigation plans. A risk matrix is the visual summary — it shows the distribution of risks at a glance and communicates priorities to stakeholders.
Can I use this for health and safety risk assessments?
Yes. The 5×5 likelihood × severity format is widely used in occupational health and safety (OH&S) assessments and aligns with ISO 31000 risk management guidelines.
What colors should I use for risk zones?
Green for low risk (scores 1–4), yellow/amber for medium (5–12), and red for high (13–25) is the most common convention. Some organizations add an orange zone for very high (20–25) distinct from critical (25).