The author substantiated necessity of detailed classification of economic risks, formulated principles, which should be considered in a process of development of classifications. The author described characteristics, which may be used for creation of a classification of economic risks. Classifications developed by modern scientists are proposed. The author offers to reduce characterization of a risk to such positions as uncertainty, danger, losses, and probability. Construction of a detailed classification of risks enable to most thoroughly attack the problem of appearance of factors that contribute a risk and to research risks as a whole. Thus, further researches in this branch continue to be actual and necessary, especially for a practical activity. Basing on a classification, each type of a risk can be thoroughly analyzed, modeled, separated into elements. These processes enable to decrease uncertainty of a situation, making an appropriate decision. The classifications of risks considered in the article enable to determine a position of each type of risks in their general system and also effectively use particular techniques and methods of minimization and management of risks.