Full Browser Calculator Guide
The CVSS Calculator evaluates vulnerability scores and vectors according to official FIRST specifications across CVSS 4.0, 3.1, 3.0, and 2.0.
Version Routes
Each CVSS version has a dedicated static route:
Metric Group Tabs
Instead of rendering dozens of controls in a single vertical wall, each version organizes its metrics into logical tabs:
- CVSS v4.0:
Base(11 required metrics),Threat(1 optional metric),Environmental(14 optional metrics),Supplemental(6 optional contextual metrics). - CVSS v3.1 & v3.0:
Base(8 required metrics),Temporal(3 optional metrics),Environmental(11 optional metrics). - CVSS v2.0:
Base(6 required metrics),Temporal(3 optional metrics),Environmental(5 optional metrics).
Hybrid Controls
- Segmented radio buttons: Used when a metric has 2 to 4 concise options (such as Attack Vector, Attack Complexity, or Scope). Supports keyboard selection and visible
:focus-visibleoutlines. - Native
<select>dropdowns: Used when a metric has 5 or more options or verbose labels (such as CVSS v2.0 Target Distribution or Temporal/Environmental overrides withNot Defined).
Incomplete State vs Numeric Score
A score is never shown as 0.0 merely because metrics have not been selected yet.
- While any mandatory Base metric is unselected, the Score Panel displays
Incompleteand lists the exact count of missing Base metrics. - Once all required Base metrics are selected, the Score Panel immediately computes the overall numeric score, qualitative severity label, active nomenclature (such as
CVSS-BorCVSS-BTEin v4.0), and sub-score breakdown.
Inline Vector Editor & Out-of-Sync Protection
The Vector String input at the top of the workspace is editable at all times:
- Valid vector input: Typing or pasting a valid vector for the current version updates metric controls across all tabs and recalculates the score. For a vector from another version, follow the link shown to open its calculator.
- Invalid vector draft: If you mistype a metric code or paste a malformed string, the calculator:
- Never overwrites or deletes the text you are typing.
- Displays a specific validation message below the field explaining the exact token or missing metric error.
- Marks the Score Panel as Out of Sync (Showing Last Valid Score) and offers a Revert Vector Input button.
- Disables Copy Vector and Copy Result so you cannot accidentally copy an invalid or out-of-sync score.
Action Buttons
- Copy Vector: Copies the canonical CVSS vector string to your clipboard.
- Copy Result: Copies a formatted plain-text summary (for example,
CVSS v4.0 Score: 9.3 (Critical) [CVSS-B] - CVSS:4.0/AV:N/AC:L/AT:N/PR:N/UI:N/VC:H/VI:H/VA:H/SC:N/SI:N/SA:N). - Reset Group: Resets only the currently open tab (
Threat,Temporal,Environmental, orSupplemental) back toNot Defined(X/ND), or clearsBaseselections when on theBasetab. - Reset All: Clears all metrics and restores the default state for the active CVSS version.
Built-in Reference Panes
Each calculator route includes dedicated reference panes located directly beneath the scoring workspace:
- Qualitative Severity Scale & Ranges: Outlines score threshold bands for the active specification (None, Low, Medium, High, and Critical for CVSS v3/v4; Low, Medium, and High for CVSS v2.0).
- Base Metric Keys Reference: Lists the key shorthand, metric name, and allowed values for every mandatory Base metric in the selected version.