Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10): Assess Your Stress With This Online Tool

Dr Bill Sukala ·
Table of Contents + −
  1. Take the PSS-10 test
  2. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) Calculator
  3. Reference

The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) is a widely used self-report questionnaire designed to measure the level of stress an individual has experienced over the past month.

Developed by Cohen and colleagues in 1983, this 10-item tool evaluates how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overwhelming respondents perceive their lives.

It includes six negatively phrased and four positively phrased items, scored on a 5-point Likert scale ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (very often).

The positively phrased items are reverse-coded, and total scores range from 0 to 40, with higher scores reflecting greater perceived stress.

Commonly used with adults and individuals aged 12 and older, the PSS-10 has been instrumental in research exploring the relationship between stress and health outcomes.

Take the PSS-10 test

Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) Calculator

Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10)

Rate how often you felt or thought a certain way during the past month. Move each slider from Never (0) to Very Often (4).

1

In the last month, how often have you been upset because of something that happened unexpectedly?

NeverVery Often
—
2

In the last month, how often have you felt that you were unable to control the important things in your life?

NeverVery Often
—
3

In the last month, how often have you felt nervous and "stressed"?

NeverVery Often
—
4

In the last month, how often have you felt confident about your ability to handle personal problems?

NeverVery Often
—
5

In the last month, how often have you felt that things were going your way?

NeverVery Often
—
6

In the last month, how often have you found that you could not cope with all the things you had to do?

NeverVery Often
—
7

In the last month, how often have you been able to control irritations in your life?

NeverVery Often
—
8

In the last month, how often have you felt that you were on top of things?

NeverVery Often
—
9

In the last month, how often have you been angered because of things outside your control?

NeverVery Often
—
10

In the last month, how often have you felt difficulties were piling up so high you could not overcome them?

NeverVery Often
—
0 of 10 questions answered0/10
🧠
Answer all 10 questions above to see your score

Please rate how often you felt or thought a certain way during the past month. Use the scale from 0 (Never) to 4 (Very Often).

Reference

Cohen, S., Kamarck, T., & Mermelstein, R. (1983). A global measure of perceived stress. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 24(4), 385–396. https://doi.org/10.2307/2136404

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About the Author
Dr Bill Sukala

Dr Bill Sukala, PhD

Health Scientist & Communicator

Dr. Bill Sukala is a scientist and health communicator with decades of experience in nutrition, exercise physiology, clinical practice and research, and numerous consultancies to major health organisations. Dealing with his own undiagnosed pituitary tumour for over 12 years transformed his understanding of health and wellness and forced him to dive deep into the neuroscience of habit formation and brain health. Drawing from his academic background, research expertise, and lived experience, he helps people understand the science behind how scientific insights and mindset strategies can unlock human potential and drive meaningful personal transformation.

Learn more about me, send me an email, or connect on social media.