Positive psychology
Subjective Happiness Calculator
The Subjective Happiness Scale (SHS) is a brief self-report measure that captures overall happiness compared with personal expectations and peers. Rate each statement from 1 (low) to 7 (high) to generate your score.
1. In general, I consider myself…
2. Compared to most of my peers, I feel…
3. Some people are generally very happy. They enjoy life regardless of what is going on, getting the most out of everything. To what extent does this characterization describe you?
4. Some people are generally not very happy. Although they are not depressed, they never seem as happy as they might be. To what extent does this characterization describe you?
This item is reverse scored.
Average SHS score
4
Range 1–7
Lower scores may signal diminished positive emotion or satisfaction. Consider exploring wellbeing practices or speaking with a professional.
Raw total
16
Total possible range: 4 (lowest happiness) to 28 (highest), converted to an average for interpretation.
How to Use This Calculator
Set aside a calm moment
Find a quiet space and reflect honestly on your general sense of happiness.
Move each slider from 1 to 7
Align the value with how closely the description fits you. Higher numbers mean greater agreement with the positive anchor.
Review the score and trends
Track your average score over time to notice improvements or dips in wellbeing.
Formula
Step 1: Record the response (1–7) for each item.
Step 2: Reverse-score item 4 by subtracting the selected value from 8.
Step 3: Sum all four item scores to obtain the raw total (4–28).
Step 4: Divide the raw total by 4 to obtain the average happiness score (1–7).
Full Description
The Subjective Happiness Scale was developed by Lyubomirsky and Lepper to capture global happiness in a concise format. Unlike momentary mood ratings, it asks people to compare themselves with their own standards and with peers. The measure correlates strongly with life satisfaction, positive affect, and resilience, while inversely relating to depression and stress.
Interventions that consistently boost SHS scores include gratitude journaling, prosocial behaviour, strength-based goal setting, adequate sleep, and cultivating supportive relationships. However, happiness is multi-dimensional—environmental, genetic, and cultural factors play a role. Persistent low happiness may signal burnout, chronic stress, or mental health conditions that deserve professional attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a low score the same as depression?
No. The SHS measures happiness, not clinical symptoms. Use tools like the PHQ-9 if depression is suspected.
How often should I reassess?
Monthly check-ins are common for wellbeing tracking. More frequent assessments can highlight the effects of new habits.
Can organizations use this scale?
Yes. It is free for research and non-commercial purposes. Obtain consent and ensure responses remain confidential.
What if my score fluctuates a lot?
Happiness can vary due to life events, sleep, and health. Track contextual factors alongside scores for richer insight.