A scorecard turns a list of metrics into a clear view of performance. Enter actuals, targets and weights to assign red, amber or green status to each KPI and calculate a weighted overall score.
How it works
Score key performance indicators against targets, flag each red, amber or green, and roll them into a weighted overall score, handling both higher-is-better and lower-is-better measures.
Attainment (higher is better) = Actual ÷ Target
Attainment (lower is better) = Target ÷ Actual
Green ≥ 100%; Amber ≥ 100% − Amber band; Red below that
Weighted score = Σ min(Attainment, Cap) × Weight ÷ Σ WeightsCommon uses
- Monthly management and board scorecards
- Department and executive performance reviews
- Incentive-plan and strategy tracking
Worked example
The calculator above opens with this example. Change any input to see the results update instantly, or select Reset to return to these figures.
| KPIs | Revenue growth % | 6.8 | 8.0 | H | 20 Operating margin % | 4.1 | 3.5 | H | 20 Days cash on hand | 74 | 90 | H | 15 Days in A/R | 48 | 45 | L | 15 Labor cost % of revenue | 52.4 | 51.0 | L | 10 Patient satisfaction score | 88 | 85 | H | 10 Forecast accuracy (MAPE) % | 3.2 | 5.0 | L | 10 |
| Amber band (shortfall from target) | 5% |
| Maximum credit per KPI | 120% |
| Weighted performance score | 98.9% |
| Green | 3 |
| Amber | 1 |
| Red | 3 |
3 KPIs are red: assign an owner and a recovery action for each. Attainment for lower-is-better KPIs is Target ÷ Actual, so beating the target still scores above 100%.
Interpreting the results
- Limit a scorecard to the few measures that drive strategy; more than ten KPIs dilutes attention.
- Set amber bands by how quickly a miss becomes material, and tighten them for covenant-related measures.
- Pair every red KPI with an owner, a root cause and a dated recovery plan.
Frequently asked questions
How is KPI attainment calculated?
For measures where higher is better, attainment equals actual divided by target. For measures where lower is better, such as days in accounts receivable or cost per unit, attainment equals target divided by actual, so beating the target still scores above 100%.
How should amber and red thresholds be set?
Set the amber band to the shortfall that warrants attention but not escalation, often 5% to 10% below target. Tighten it for measures tied to covenants or regulatory limits, where small misses carry large consequences.
Why cap credit for overachievement?
Without a cap, strong results on one KPI can mask several misses elsewhere. A cap of 110% to 120% keeps the overall score balanced while still rewarding outperformance.
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