The C-Score™
A practical signal for commercial contract risk
The C-Score summarizes commercial risk signals found in the specific contract sections you analyze. It helps you decide where attention, negotiation, or escalation is warranted — fast.
What the C-Score is
The C-Score is Clarioso’s way of summarizing commercial contract risk into a single, understandable signal.
It is designed to answer one core question:
“Based on the clauses I reviewed, how exposed am I — commercially — and what should I do next?”
The C-Score is not legal advice and not a full contract opinion. It is a triage and prioritization tool meant to help you decide where to focus.
What the C-Score measures
The C-Score is a 0–100 score where higher is better.
It reflects risk signals identified in the specific contract sections you analyzed, including:
- Indemnity
- Liability
- Confidentiality
- Termination
Each analyzer evaluates clause language from a commercial exposure perspective, considering:
- Scope and balance of obligations
- Allocation of risk between parties
- Market-standard expectations (buyer vs seller)
- Red flags that increase downstream risk
What the C-Score does not measure (by design)
To avoid false precision and protect trust, the C-Score intentionally excludes:
- Financial impact or contract value
- Revenue dependence
- Renewal economics
- Full-agreement interpretation
- Regulatory or compliance determinations
The score is not “total contract risk.” It is analyzed-section risk. If a clause was not analyzed, it does not influence the score.
C-Bands translate the score into meaning
To make the score easier to interpret, Clarioso groups results into C-Bands:
Strong (80–100)
Low commercial exposure based on analyzed sections. Contract language is generally balanced.
Stable (65–79)
Some negotiable risk, but no immediate red flags. Monitor for changes.
Elevated (50–64)
Commercial exposure is elevated. Review is recommeded prior to renewal or signature.
High Risk (35–49)
Material imbalance or risk concentration. Review and escalation may be appropriate.
Critical (0–34)
Severe commercial exposure. Strongly consider escalation before execution.
C-Bands are not judgments — they are signals.
Recommended next actions
Each C-Score includes a recommended next step, based on the nature and severity of identified risks:
- Monitor — Risk is understood and acceptable in context.
- Review — Specific clauses likely warrant revision.
- Escalate — Risk level suggests deeper review or professional involvement.
These recommendations are guidance, not mandates. Context always matters.
How to improve your C-Score
The most effective improvements are practical and targeted:
- Narrow overly broad indemnity obligations
- Add reasonable liability caps
- Clarify exclusions and carve-outs
- Align confidentiality obligations with deal realities
- Balance buyer and seller risk expectations
Clarioso highlights where issues exist — not just that they exist — so you can focus effort efficiently.
How to use the C-Score
The C-Score works best as a decision aid, not a final answer. Use it to:
- Compare contracts quickly
- Identify which agreements deserve attention first
- Decide where negotiation effort matters most
- Know when escalation may be appropriate
It’s a bridge between raw contract language and action.
Important disclaimer
Clarioso provides commercial risk analysis, not legal advice.
The C-Score is based solely on the sections you choose to analyze and does not evaluate the full agreement or surrounding circumstances.
For legal interpretation or advice, consult qualified counsel.
One thing to remember
The C-Score doesn’t replace judgment — it sharpens it.
Ready to see your C-Score?
Upload a contract or analyze a clause to get started.
Note: Scores reflect analyzed sections only.