The Subjective Happiness Scale measures overall happiness as you see it. In large samples the average adult score is about 4.5–5.5, with students scoring a little lower than working adults and retirees.
How to use the Happiness Calculator
- 1. In general, I consider myself… (1 = not a very happy person, 7 = a very happy person)
- 2. Compared with most of my peers, I consider myself… (1 = less happy, 7 = more happy)
- 3. Some people are generally very happy and enjoy life whatever is going on. How much does this describe you? (1 = not at all, 7 = a great deal)
- 4. Some people are generally not very happy and never seem as happy as they might be. How much does this describe you? (1 = not at all, 7 = a great deal)
Results update as you type, and every field accepts the units shown in its menu.
How it works
Each answer carries the points shown in the published score. The calculator adds them up and maps the total to the published interpretation.
Scoring table
| Item | Answers and points |
|---|---|
| 1. In general, I consider myself… (1 = not a very happy person, 7 = a very happy person) | 1 = 1; 2 = 2; 3 = 3; 4 = 4; 5 = 5; 6 = 6; 7 = 7 |
| 2. Compared with most of my peers, I consider myself… (1 = less happy, 7 = more happy) | 1 = 1; 2 = 2; 3 = 3; 4 = 4; 5 = 5; 6 = 6; 7 = 7 |
| 3. Some people are generally very happy and enjoy life whatever is going on. How much does this describe you? (1 = not at all, 7 = a great deal) | 1 = 1; 2 = 2; 3 = 3; 4 = 4; 5 = 5; 6 = 6; 7 = 7 |
| 4. Some people are generally not very happy and never seem as happy as they might be. How much does this describe you? (1 = not at all, 7 = a great deal) | 1 = 1; 2 = 2; 3 = 3; 4 = 4; 5 = 5; 6 = 6; 7 = 7 |
Tips
- Answer based on the last two weeks, as the questionnaires ask.
- Screening scores are a starting point for a conversation with a professional.
- Repeat the questionnaire every few weeks to track change.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself, contact a crisis line or emergency services now.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Treating a screening score as a diagnosis.
- Answering for how you want to feel rather than how you have felt.
- Waiting for a “high enough” score before asking for help.
Inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| 1. In general, I consider myself… (1 = not a very happy person, 7 = a very happy person) | Choose one: 1, 2, 3, 4 … |
| 2. Compared with most of my peers, I consider myself… (1 = less happy, 7 = more happy) | Choose one: 1, 2, 3, 4 … |
| 3. Some people are generally very happy and enjoy life whatever is going on. How much does this describe you? (1 = not at all, 7 = a great deal) | Choose one: 1, 2, 3, 4 … |
| 4. Some people are generally not very happy and never seem as happy as they might be. How much does this describe you? (1 = not at all, 7 = a great deal) | Choose one: 1, 2, 3, 4 … |
Health note: this calculator is for education and screening only and is not a diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss your results with a qualified clinician.
Formula
Score = (item 1 + item 2 + item 3 + (8 − item 4)) ÷ 4
Worked example
Inputs — 1. In general, I consider myself… (1 = not a very happy person, 7 = a very happy person): 5; 2. Compared with most of my peers, I consider myself… (1 = less happy, 7 = more happy): 5; 3. Some people are generally very happy and enjoy life whatever is going on. How much does this describe you? (1 = not at all, 7 = a great deal): 4; 4. Some people are generally not very happy and never seem as happy as they might be. How much does this describe you? (1 = not at all, 7 = a great deal): 3.
Results — Subjective happiness score = 4.75 / 7; Compared with the average adult (about 5) = Around average.
Key terms
- Reverse scoring
- Converting an item so that a high value always means more of the trait.
Frequently asked questions
Can happiness be measured?
Self-report scales like this are reliable and track well with friends' ratings.
Can I become happier?
Studies suggest gratitude, kindness, social connection, exercise and sleep all help.
Why is question 4 reversed?
It describes unhappiness, so higher agreement lowers the score.