The PSS-10 (Perceived Stress Scale) is a 10-item measure of how stressed you feel, developed by Sheldon Cohen and colleagues (1983). It is the most widely used psychological measure of perceived stress. It is not a diagnostic tool - it measures your subjective stress level, not a clinical condition.

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Free stress test (PSS-10)

Q: How is the PSS-10 scored?

Each of the 10 items is scored 0-4. Four items (4, 5, 7, 8) are reverse-scored because they are positively worded. Total scores range from 0-40. Bands: 0-13 low stress, 14-26 moderate stress, 27-40 high perceived stress.

Q: Is the PSS-10 a diagnostic test?

No. The PSS-10 measures perceived stress - how stressed you feel - not a clinical diagnosis. It does not diagnose anxiety, depression, or any mental health condition. However, high perceived stress is associated with increased risk of anxiety and depression, and may indicate that a professional evaluation would be helpful.

The Perceived Stress Scale is the most widely used measure of how stressed you feel. Ten questions, about 2 minutes, instant score. Your answers never leave your device. The PSS is not a diagnostic test - it measures perceived stress, not a clinical condition.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Akinwande Akintola, MD, Supervisory Psychiatrist. Last reviewed July 2026.

What the research shows: High perceived stress is associated with a 2-3x increased risk of developing major depression and anxiety disorders (Cohen & Janicki-Deverts, Health Psychology, 2012).

If you are in crisis, do not wait for a test score. Call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7) or call 911.

The questions in this scale ask you about your feelings and thoughts during the last month. In each case, indicate how often you felt or thought a certain way.

Your answers never leave your device. Nothing is sent to any server.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. In the last month, how often have you been angered because of things that happened that were outside of your control?

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

How is the PSS-10 scored?

Score	Stress level	What this means
0-13	Low stress	Your stress appears manageable
14-26	Moderate stress	Consider stress management strategies; evaluation if impacting daily life
27-40	High stress	Professional evaluation recommended to rule out underlying conditions

The PSS-10 includes 4 reverse-scored items (questions 4, 5, 7, 8) that ask about positive experiences. Scoring is handled automatically.

What is the PSS-10?

The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was developed by Sheldon Cohen, Tom Kamarck, and Robin Mermelstein (1983). It measures how unpredictable, uncontrollable, and overloaded you find your life. Unlike anxiety or depression screeners, the PSS is not tied to a specific diagnosis - it captures a broader sense of whether your stress level is manageable.

Is the PSS-10 a diagnostic test?

No. The PSS-10 measures perceived stress, not a clinical diagnosis. High stress is associated with increased risk of anxiety, depression, cardiovascular disease, and immune dysfunction, but a PSS score alone does not diagnose any condition. If your score is high and you are experiencing symptoms like persistent worry, low mood, or sleep disruption, a clinical evaluation can determine whether an underlying condition is contributing.

When should I see a professional for stress?

Consider a professional evaluation if stress is interfering with your sleep, relationships, work performance, or physical health - or if it has lasted for weeks without improvement. High perceived stress often co-occurs with anxiety and depression. A clinician can distinguish between "normal" life stress and a treatable condition.

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If you are in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. Both are available 24/7.