Test your stress

How stressed are you, really?

Ten questions, from the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) used in psychological research worldwide. Confidential. Three to five minutes.

This is not a medical diagnosis. The PSS-10 is a widely used research and self-reflection tool, not a clinical diagnostic instrument. If stress is seriously affecting your health, relationships, or daily functioning, please talk to a doctor or mental health professional.
Question 1 of 1010% complete

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

About this test

What the PSS-10 actually measures.

The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was developed by Sheldon Cohen, Tom Kamarck, and Robin Mermelstein in 1983, and remains the most widely used psychological instrument for measuring how stressful people find their lives — not stressful events themselves, but how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded you've felt.

Ten questions, two directions

Six questions ask about feeling overwhelmed or out of control; four ask about feeling confident and in control (these are reverse-scored, so a confident answer lowers your stress score). Each is rated 0–4 across the past month.

Interpreting your score

  • 0–13: Low perceived stress
  • 14–26: Moderate perceived stress
  • 27–40: High perceived stress

What this is — and isn't

The PSS-10 is excellent at capturing how stressed you feel right now. It is not a diagnosis of anxiety, depression, or any medical condition — only a qualified clinician can offer that. Use it as an honest check-in, and a starting point for action.

Frequently asked

Quiet answers before you begin.

The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was developed by Sheldon Cohen and colleagues in 1983 and remains the most widely used instrument for measuring perceived stress in psychological research. It measures how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded you’ve found your life over the past month — it is a well-validated screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument.
About 3–5 minutes. Ten questions, each answered on a 5-point scale from "Never" to "Very often."
Scores run from 0–40. 0–13 is generally considered low stress, 14–26 moderate stress, and 27–40 high perceived stress. These bands are widely used alongside the PSS-10 to help interpret results, though they are a guide, not a clinical cutoff.
A high score means your body and mind have been under real strain — it is not a character flaw. Consider reaching out to a doctor or therapist, especially if stress is affecting your sleep, relationships, or ability to function day to day.
Yes. Your answers are processed entirely in your browser — nothing is stored, logged, or sent anywhere.
Yes — the PSS-10 is often used to track stress over time. Many people find it useful to retake it monthly or after a major life change.

Whatever your score — there's a next step.

Stress responds well to small, consistent action. We have practices for every level, and support when you need more.

Stress management guideTry a breath