Likert Scale
Definition
A Likert scale is a rating scale used in surveys to measure attitudes, opinions, or perceptions. Respondents rate their level of agreement with a statement on a symmetric scale — commonly five or seven points ranging from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.” It is one of the most widely used methods for quantifying subjective opinions.
Likert scale examples
A typical 5-point Likert scale captures degrees of agreement, satisfaction, or frequency.
- Agreement: Strongly disagree → Disagree → Neutral → Agree → Strongly agree.
- Satisfaction: Very dissatisfied → Dissatisfied → Neutral → Satisfied → Very satisfied.
- Frequency: Never → Rarely → Sometimes → Often → Always.
Best practices
Keep the scale symmetric and balanced, label every point clearly, and use a consistent scale length across related questions. Five and seven points are the most common because they balance nuance with simplicity.
Likert Scale FAQ
How many points should a Likert scale have?
Five and seven points are most common. Five is simpler and faster; seven captures more nuance. Keep the scale symmetric with a neutral midpoint.
Is a rating question a Likert scale?
A Likert scale is a specific type of rating question that measures agreement on a symmetric, labeled scale. You can build Likert questions with the rating question type.