A method for formalizing a model of a complex object using expert data is proposed. A complex object is represented as a set of interacting components (factors). For numerical characteristics of individual interactions of components, the marks (ball estimates) are used, which, depending on the object of study, can be interpreted as the degree of risk, time, material resources, the degree of influence in the interaction of components. For each of these types of estimates the corresponding computational operations are applied. The results of the calculations are the estimates of the system response of the object under study to external influences. The process of counting forms a transitive closure of the primary estimates. In calculating of interaction degree, the multi-valued logic variables and operations are used. Examples of different ways of formalization are given.