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Stress Level Score Calculator

Work out stress level score instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Stress Level Score Calculator

Scores the ten-item Perceived Stress Scale, reversing the four positively worded items before summing, and applies the conventional bands.

Formula

PSS-10

Total = sum of negatively worded items + (16 - sum of positively worded items); 0-13 low, 14-26 moderate, 27-40 high perceived stress

Worked example

With the default values below, Stress Level Score Calculator returns Perceived Stress Scale total of 20. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Sum of the six negatively worded itemsaccepts 0–24
12
Sum of the four positively worded items before reversalaccepts 0–16
8

Results

Perceived Stress Scale total
20
Band
Moderate perceived stress
Reversed positive-item score
8
Maximum possible score
40

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2PSS-10
  3. 3Perceived Stress Scale total= 20
  4. 4Band= Moderate perceived stress
  5. 5Reversed positive-item score= 8
  6. 6Maximum possible score= 40

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 2 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to whole numbers, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.
  • Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.
  • This is an estimate for general information and not professional medical advice. See the full disclaimer for the limits that apply to this kind of calculator.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Educational estimate only. Not a substitute for professional clinical judgement, and must not be used to make treatment or dosing decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why reverse four items?

They are phrased positively, so reversing keeps a higher total meaning more perceived stress.

What period does it cover?

The past month, which makes it a measure of recent appraised stress rather than a trait.

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