About the SWLS

Ed Diener and colleagues published the Satisfaction With Life Scale in 1985 and it has been used in thousands of studies since. Five statements rated on a seven-point agreement scale measure how your life compares with your own standards, a judgment distinct from mood.

What is an average Satisfaction With Life score?

Scores run 5 to 35. 20 is neutral; 21 to 25 slightly satisfied, 26 to 30 satisfied, 31 to 35 extremely satisfied. Most adults in Western samples land between 21 and 25.

How often should I retake it?

Every few months. Life satisfaction moves slowly, so weekly retakes mostly show noise.

Satisfaction With Life Scale, Diener, Emmons, Larsen & Griffin (1985). Free to use. Page reviewed by Michael RoBards, LCSW, September 2026.