| Variable | Very low | low | Moderate | High | Very high |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| Geomorphology | Rocky, cliffed coasts | Medium cliffs | Low cliffs | Cobble beaches, Estuary | Barrier beaches, Sand beaches |
| Coastal slope (%) | >12 | 12 - 9 | 9 - 6 | 6 - 3 | <3 |
| Relative sea level change (mm/yr) | <1.8 | 1.8 - 2.5 | 2.5 - 3.0 | 3.0 - 3.4 | >3.4 |
| Shoreline erosion/accretion (m/yr) | >2.0 Accretion | 1.0 - 2.0 Accretion | −1.0 - +1.0 Stable | −1.1 - 2.0 erosion | <−2.0 erosion |
| Mean tide range (m) | >6.0 | 4.1 - 6.0 | 2.0 - 4.0 | 1.0 - 1.9 | <1.0 |
| Mean wave height (m) | <0.55 | 0.55 - 0.85 | 0.85 - 1.05 | 1.05 - 1.25 | >1.25 |