What Is the Rice Purity Test?
The Rice Purity Test is a free, anonymous 100-question checklist that scores life experiences on a scale of 0 to 100. Each “yes” answer subtracts one point from a starting score of 100.
The result — called a purity score — reflects how many of the 100 listed experiences apply to you. Over 47 million people globally have taken the test. It takes 5 to 10 minutes to complete, requires no login, and stores no personal data.
- 100 yes/no questions
- Score range: 0–100
- Completely anonymous
- Average score globally: 63–64
What Does the Rice Purity Test Measure?
The Rice Purity Test measures breadth of life experience — not morality, intelligence, or character. It counts how many of 100 listed behaviors apply to the test-taker and converts that count into a single number.
It has no clinical basis and no peer-reviewed validation. A score of 45 and a score of 90 carry no inherent moral weight. Both simply reflect different accumulations of experience shaped by age, environment, and personal choices.
Average Scores by Age
| Age Group | Average Score |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | 91.12 |
| 18–24 | 87–89 |
| Global Average | 63–64 |
How the Rice Purity Test Works
The Rice Purity Test uses a simple checklist format: 100 statements, one point deducted per “yes,” and an instant score after completion.
100 Questions Explained
The questions cover six broad categories and gradually progress from light experiences to more serious ones.
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Romance & Dating | Holding hands, going on a date, first kiss |
| Physical Intimacy | French kissing, sexual contact |
| Substances | Alcohol, marijuana, drinking games |
| Academic Conduct | Cheating on exams, disciplinary action |
| Social Behavior | Public nudity, faking sobriety |
| Criminality | Vandalism, arrest, felony conviction |
Romance-related questions are the most commonly checked items, while felony-related questions apply to only 2–3% of users.
How Scores Are Calculated
The scoring formula is simple:
Check 38 boxes → score is 62.
Check 10 boxes → score is 90.
| Score Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 90–100 | Innocent |
| 70–89 | Average |
| 50–69 | Experienced |
| 0–49 | Very Experienced |
Origin & History of the Rice Purity Test
The Rice Purity Test originated at Rice University in Houston, Texas, in 1924. The university’s student newspaper — The Rice Thresher — published results from a 10-question survey administered to 119 female undergraduates.
By the 1980s, MIT and Carnegie Mellon expanded the format to 100 questions and made it unisex. The test later spread online through early internet forums and university networks.
The modern 100-question version has remained the cultural standard for more than 40 years.
Why the Rice Purity Test Became Popular
The test became popular because one simple number is instantly shareable and easy to compare across social platforms.
- Instant results — no explanation needed
- Social sharing — easy to compare with friends
- Retake value — users retake it over time
TikTok trends and college orientation culture helped introduce the test to millions of Gen Z users during the early 2020s.
Is the Rice Purity Test Accurate?
No — the Rice Purity Test is not scientifically accurate and is not endorsed by any clinical or academic institution.
Its biggest limitation is that all questions carry equal weight. A light experience and a major life event both subtract one point, even though they are completely different in real life.
FAQ
What is the Rice Purity Test?
The Rice Purity Test is a free 100-question checklist that scores life experiences from 0 to 100.
Is the Rice Purity Test anonymous?
Yes. No login or personal information is required.
What is a good Rice Purity score?
There is no “good” or “bad” score. Results simply reflect different experiences.
Can you retake the Rice Purity Test?
Yes — you can retake the test as many times as you want.