In the context of metrics, thresholds refer to predetermined values or limits used to assess the performance of a metric. These thresholds are typically defined based on specific criteria or objectives and serve as reference points to determine whether the measured value or performance meets, exceeds, or falls below the desired level.

The three colors of thresholds—red, amber, and green—are commonly used to indicate different levels of performance or status. These colors indicate the status where green signifies the metric is performing well according to expectation, amber signals caution or warning, and red signifies a critical situation. For instance, consider a scenario where you have established a metric definition aimed at decreasing pollution, with the metric direction set to Minimize. In this case, the metric values should be lower than the specified threshold value. This requirement arises from the intention to prevent pollution from increasing and instead promote its reduction. If the metric value is higher than the defined limit, the value would appear in red or amber. Thresholds only apply to quantitative metric definitions.