Empathy Test
A confidential self-assessment informed by the Empathy Quotient, the research scale Baron-Cohen and Wheelwright developed to measure how we understand and respond to other people's feelings. It separates the thinking side of empathy from the feeling side, gives you an instant plain-language result, and a PDF you can keep. There is no good or bad score here, only useful self-understanding.
Empathy is two skills, not one, and this measures both
Research distinguishes between understanding what someone feels and actually feeling it with them. They often go together, but not always, and each has its own strengths and trade-offs. This screening keeps them separate so your result reflects how you are actually wired.
Cognitive empathy
The ability to read and understand what another person is feeling or thinking, sometimes called perspective-taking. It powers good communication, diplomacy, and knowing what to say. Strong cognitive empathy can coexist with feeling emotions less intensely.
Affective empathy
The tendency to share or feel another person's emotions, to be moved by their joy or pain. It drives compassion and connection. Very high affective empathy can also tip into overwhelm, which is why balance matters.
Your overall profile
How the two combine to shape the way you relate. Rather than a single label, you get a picture of your empathic style, including reverse-scored items so the result is honest and not just a measure of saying the agreeable thing.
| Feature | Typical free quiz | Psychology.com |
|---|---|---|
| Informed by a validated scale (the EQ) | Sometimes | Yes |
| Separate cognitive vs affective scores | No | Yes, both shown |
| Reverse-scored items for honesty | Rarely | Yes |
| Non-judgmental, balanced interpretation | No | Throughout |
| Links to related traits (autism, HSP) | No | Yes |
| Downloadable PDF report | No | Yes, branded & shareable |
| Confidential (no data sent) | Often tracked | Runs in your browser |
Methodology & sources
This screening is informed by the Empathy Quotient (EQ), developed and validated by Baron-Cohen and Wheelwright (2004) as a self-report measure of empathy in adults. Drawing on that work, items are grouped into cognitive empathy, the ability to recognize and understand others' mental and emotional states, and affective empathy, the tendency to share and respond to those states emotionally. Items are rated on a 0 to 4 agreement scale, and several are reverse scored so that simply agreeing with everything does not inflate the result. Wording is original and lightly adapted for readability while staying true to the constructs the EQ measures.
This test is provided for education and self-reflection. It is not a diagnosis and empathy is not a disorder; it is a normal human trait that varies widely and shifts with mood, context, and relationships. There is no correct amount. Both lower and higher empathy carry genuine trade-offs, and your score is best read as a starting point for understanding how you connect with others rather than a verdict on your character. If empathy differences are causing you distress in relationships, a therapist can help you work with them.
- Baron-Cohen S, Wheelwright S. The Empathy Quotient: an investigation of adults with Asperger syndrome or high functioning autism, and normal sex differences. J Autism Dev Disord. 2004;34(2):163–175.
- Davis MH. Measuring individual differences in empathy: evidence for a multidimensional approach. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1983;44(1):113–126.
- Aron EN, Aron A. Sensory-processing sensitivity and its relation to introversion and emotionality. J Pers Soc Psychol. 1997;73(2):345–368.
Empathy Test FAQ
What is an empathy test?
It is a short, research-informed screening that estimates how strongly you understand and respond to other people's feelings, separating the thinking side of empathy from the feeling side. This one is informed by the Empathy Quotient. It is a tool for self-understanding, not a diagnosis, and there is no right or wrong score.
Is it bad to have low empathy?
No. Empathy varies naturally across people, and a lower score is not a moral failing. Some people understand emotions easily but feel them less intensely, which can be a real strength in high-pressure or caregiving roles. Empathy can also grow with attention and practice if you want it to.
Can you have too much empathy?
In a sense, yes. Very high affective empathy means you feel others' emotions strongly, which fuels compassion but can also lead to overwhelm, burnout, and difficulty setting boundaries. Many highly empathic people benefit from learning to protect their own energy while staying caring.
How does empathy relate to autism or being highly sensitive?
Autistic people often have strong affective empathy, caring deeply, while finding the cognitive, cue-reading side harder, which differs from common stereotypes. Highly sensitive people, or HSPs, tend to score high on emotional responsiveness. If this is your interest, exploring our autism and HSP tests can add useful context.
Is this test a diagnosis?
No. It is for education and self-reflection only. Empathy is a normal trait, not a condition, so there is nothing to diagnose. If empathy differences are causing you difficulty in relationships, a therapist can help you understand and work with them.
Is the test really confidential?
Yes. It runs entirely in your browser. Your answers are never sent to a server, never stored, and never linked to you. No account is needed, and the optional PDF is generated on your own device.