---
title: "Admins: Create a Grading Scale"
description: Learn how to create a grading scale for performance evaluations in Zal.ai.
---

[Skip to content](https://help.zal.ai/en/zal-help-center/create-a-grading-scale#main-content)

[![zal-logo-purple](https://help.zal.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/zal-logo-purple.png?width=160&height=60&name=zal-logo-purple.png)](https://help.zal.ai/en/zal-help-center?hsLang=en)

Open main navigation

Close main navigation

 How can we help you?

- There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

1. [Zal.ai Help Center](https://help.zal.ai/?hsLang=en)
2. [Reviews](https://help.zal.ai/reviews?hsLang=en)
3. [Setup & Configuration](https://help.zal.ai/reviews?hsLang=en#setup-configuration)

# Admins: Create a Grading Scale

## Define the rating system for performance reviews

A grading scale is the rating system managers use when evaluating their direct reports. It provides a consistent framework for measuring and scoring performance across your organization.

**This article is relevant to:** Admins

**Feature:** *Settings*

## Steps to Create a Grading Scale

1. Click the **Settings** gear at the bottom of the navigation bar.
2. Select *Grading Scales*.
3. Click **+ Grading Scale**.
4. Give it a title and description.
5. Add rating levels that managers will choose from.
6. Click **Save**.

## Example Rating Levels

Some organizations use descriptive labels:

- Below Expectations
- Meets Expectations
- Exceeds Expectations

Others prefer numbered scales (1 through 5). Choose what fits your company's culture and approach to performance.

## Best Practice: Define What Each Rating Means

We strongly recommend creating an internal document that explains what each rating level actually means in practice—the behaviors and outcomes that correspond to each one.

Sharing this with everyone before the cycle begins is important. When managers and employees have a clear frame of reference:

- Evaluations are more consistent and fair
- Employees can assess themselves with confidence
- Calibration conversations are smoother

You can link this document directly in your cycle kickoff email.

- [Getting Started](https://help.zal.ai/getting-started?hsLang=en)
- [Company Administration](https://help.zal.ai/company-administration?hsLang=en#main-content)
  
  
  
  
  
    - [Manage People](https://help.zal.ai/company-administration?hsLang=en#manage-people)
- [Get Help](https://help.zal.ai/get-help?hsLang=en)
- [Reviews](https://help.zal.ai/reviews?hsLang=en#main-content)
  
  
  
  
  
    - [Role-Based Guides](https://help.zal.ai/reviews?hsLang=en#role-based-guides)
    - [Setup & Configuration](https://help.zal.ai/reviews?hsLang=en#setup-configuration)
    - [Track Review Progress](https://help.zal.ai/reviews?hsLang=en#track-review-progress)
    - [Nominate Peers](https://help.zal.ai/reviews?hsLang=en#nominate-peers)
    - [Write Reviews](https://help.zal.ai/reviews?hsLang=en#write-reviews)
    - [Complete Performance Reviews](https://help.zal.ai/reviews?hsLang=en#complete-performance-reviews)
    - [Hold Calibration Sessions](https://help.zal.ai/reviews?hsLang=en#hold-calibration-sessions)
    - [Share & Acknowledge Results](https://help.zal.ai/reviews?hsLang=en#share-acknowledge-results)
    - [Access Results](https://help.zal.ai/reviews?hsLang=en#access-results)
- [Meetings](https://help.zal.ai/meetings?hsLang=en)
- [Inbox](https://help.zal.ai/inbox?hsLang=en)
- [Goals](https://help.zal.ai/goals?hsLang=en)
- [Feedback/Brag Sheet](https://help.zal.ai/feedback-brag-sheet?hsLang=en)
- [What's New?](https://help.zal.ai/whats-new?hsLang=en)

[![zal-logo-purple-1](https://help.zal.ai/hs-fs/hubfs/zal-logo-purple-1.png?width=160&height=60&name=zal-logo-purple-1.png "zal-logo-purple-1")](https://help.zal.ai/?hsLang=en)

<https://www.linkedin.com/company/zal-ai>

Copyright © 2026, Zal.ai