OKR Scoring
OKR Scoring is the structured process of evaluating Key Result achievement at the end of an OKR cycle. Typically a 0.0 to 1.0 scale is used, where a score of 0.7 (70%) is considered successful for stretch goals.
What is OKR Scoring?
OKR Scoring (also called OKR grading or OKR evaluation) is the formal process of measuring the achievement level of all Key Results at the end of each OKR cycle. Scoring provides objective data for reflection and forms the foundation for the OKR Retrospective.
The Scoring Scale (0.0 to 1.0)
| Score | Meaning | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| 0.0–0.3 | Red | No meaningful progress achieved |
| 0.4–0.6 | Yellow | Progress made, but significantly below target |
| 0.7 | Green (Sweet Spot) | Ambitious goal nearly achieved |
| 0.8–1.0 | Green | Outstanding results or target set too low |
The average of all Key Result scores yields the overall Objective score.
Scoring for Different OKR Types
Score interpretation depends on the OKR type:
- [Moonshot OKRs](/en/glossar/moonshot-okr): 0.7 is the ideal score. Consistently scoring 1.0 means goals weren't ambitious enough.
- [Committed OKRs](/en/glossar/committed-okr): 1.0 is expected here. Anything below 1.0 signals a serious problem.
The score itself isn't the goal – the conversation about WHY a particular score was achieved is far more valuable than the number.
Key Scoring Principles
- Separate from performance reviews: OKR scores must not be used for bonuses or evaluations
- Learning focus: What can we learn from the result?
- Honesty: Evaluate realistically, don't sugarcoat
- Consider context: Include external factors in the evaluation
Common Scoring Mistakes
- Sandbagging: Deliberately setting low targets to guarantee high scores
- Inflated scoring: Artificially raising scores to look good
- Score fixation: Only looking at the number instead of insights
- Inconsistency: Different teams scoring by different standards
OKR Scoring with Northly
Northly automatically calculates Key Result scores from weekly check-in data. The platform visualizes scoring trends across multiple cycles, making patterns visible – such as whether a team systematically plans too conservatively or too ambitiously.
Related Terms
Key Result
A Key Result is a quantitative, measurable outcome that indicates progress toward an Objective. Each Key Result has a clear metric, a starting value, and a target value, answering the question: "How do we know we're on the right track?"
Moonshot OKR (Aspirational OKR)
A Moonshot OKR (also called Aspirational OKR or Stretch OKR) is an intentionally over-ambitious goal where 60–70% achievement already counts as success. It pushes teams beyond their comfort zone and fosters innovation and creative thinking.
Committed OKR (Rooftop OKR)
A Committed OKR is a goal where 100% achievement is expected and required. It represents a firm commitment to the organization and typically relates to business-critical outcomes such as compliance, reliability, or essential revenue targets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What scale is used for OKR Scoring?
The most common scale ranges from 0.0 to 1.0. A score of 0.7 (70%) is considered success for Moonshot OKRs. For Committed OKRs, 1.0 (100%) is expected.
Should OKR scores be tied to bonuses?
No. OKR scores should be strictly separated from performance reviews and compensation. Otherwise, teams set targets too low to guarantee high scores (sandbagging).
What does a score of 1.0 mean?
For Moonshot OKRs, a consistent score of 1.0 indicates that goals weren't set ambitiously enough. For Committed OKRs, 1.0 is the expectation.
Who evaluates the OKR scores?
Ideally, each team evaluates its own Key Results. The score often derives directly from measured data. In the review session, scores are discussed collectively and learnings are derived.