Can you measure happiness? Take the Happiness Test1

Positive Psychology is the science of happiness. In order to improve happiness you need to look at hwre you are now. Are you happy? Some answers that you may give are:

■a little
■yes
■no
■a lot
■sometimes
■often
■seldom
and so on. The answers are a bit vague and subjective. Is there an objective way to measuring happiness?


In 2001 Michael Argyle invented the Oxford Happiness Inventory as a way to measure levels of happiness.

Take the test below. For each question make note of your score between 1 and 5. Add your scores up then divide by 144 then round up to the first two decimals to get what percentage of the happiness you are getting from life.





FOR EXAMPLE: If your score is 77

Divide 77 by 144 = .53 > 53%

You are getting 53% happiness from your life. This is not bad and is about average for the population.


1. I am incredibly happy

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

2. I feel like the future is overflowing with hope and promise.

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

3. I am completely satisfied with everything in my life.

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

4. I feel that I am in total control of everything in my life.

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

5. I feel that life is overflowing with rewards

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

6. I am delighted with the way I am

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

7. I always have a good influence on events

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

8. I love life

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

9. I am intensely interested in other people

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

10. I can make all decisions very easily

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

11. I feel able to take anything on

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

12. I always wake up feeling rested

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

13. I have boundless energy

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

14. The whole world looks beautiful to me.

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

15. I feel mentally alert

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

16. I feel on top of the world

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

17. I love everybody

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

18. All past events seem extremely happy

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

19. I am constantly in a state of joy and elation

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

20. I have done everything I ever wanted

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

21. I can fit in everything I want to do

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

22. I always have fun with people

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

23. I always have a cheerful effect on others

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

24. My life is totally meaningful and purposeful

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

25. I am always committed and involved

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

26. I think the world is an excellent place

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

27. I am always laughing

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

28. I think I look extremely attractive

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

29. I am amused by everything

Less True - 1 2 3 4 5 – More True

SOURCE: The Oxford Happiness Inventory developed by Michael Argyle (2001)

Positive Psychology examines the character strengths that can be developed in a human being. The more the strengths are developed, the happier you become. The Happiness Test is a great way to track your progress as you apply the findings of Positive Psychology to your life