Rice Purity Score Meanings Explained
A comprehensive guide to understanding your score, what the different ranges mean, and how your results compare to others.
How Scoring Works
The Rice Purity Test operates on a straightforward 100-point scale designed to be a simple measure of life experiences. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the mechanics and what the scores represent:
The 100-Point System
Every person begins the test with a perfect score of 100. The test consists of 100 questions, each describing a specific experience. For every question you answer "Yes" to, one point is subtracted from your total. Answering "No" has no effect on your score. The final number you receive is your Purity Score.
The Inverse Relationship
It's important to understand the inverse nature of the score. A higher score (closer to 100) indicates fewer "Yes" answers, signifying a lower number of experienced activities and, therefore, a higher level of "purity" or innocence in the context of the test. Conversely, a lower score (closer to 0) means more "Yes" answers, reflecting a wider range of life experiences.
What the Extremes Mean
A score of 100 is the highest possible, meaning you answered "No" to every single question. A score of 0 is the lowest, meaning you have experienced everything on the list. In practice, both of these scores are exceptionally rare.
The Average Score
While scores can vary widely by age and social environment, the generally accepted average score for college-aged students and young adults falls between 45 and 70. This range typically represents a balanced journey of exploration and personal boundaries. However, the score is just for fun and should not be seen as a judgment.
Score 100–95
A score in this range indicates maximum innocence and minimal life experiences. People with these scores typically have very limited exposure to adult activities, romantic relationships, or social experimentation, often reflecting a sheltered lifestyle.
Typical Characteristics:
- Limited exposure to party culture or substance use
- Very traditional upbringing and values
- Minimal romantic or physical intimacy experiences
Score 94–85
This range indicates high innocence with some basic life experiences. It's a common score for high school students and college freshmen who have begun exploring relationships and social activities but remain relatively inexperienced.
Typical Characteristics:
- Some dating experience (e.g., holding hands, first kiss)
- Limited participation in parties or social drinking
- Generally conservative lifestyle choices
Score 84–70
This range represents above-average innocence with moderate life experiences. These scores are common among college students who have begun exploring adult activities but still maintain some boundaries.
Typical Characteristics:
- Experience with romantic relationships
- Some exposure to party culture and social drinking
- A balanced approach to risk-taking and exploration
Score 69–45
This is the most common score range, representing typical life experiences for young adults and college seniors. It indicates someone who has explored various aspects of adult life while maintaining reasonable boundaries.
Typical Characteristics:
- Diverse romantic and/or sexual experiences
- Regular participation in social activities and parties
- Some experimentation with substances
Score 44–25
Scores in this range indicate extensive life experiences. People with these scores have typically explored many aspects of adult life and have fewer boundaries when it comes to new experiences, suggesting an adventurous lifestyle.
Typical Characteristics:
- Extensive sexual and romantic history
- Regular participation in party culture
- Willingness to take risks and try new things
Score 24–0
The lowest score range indicates maximum life experiences across all categories. Scores this low are rare and suggest someone who has explored virtually every aspect of adult life covered by the test.
Typical Characteristics:
- Comprehensive sexual and romantic experiences
- Extensive experimentation with substances and activities
- Participation in unconventional or risky behaviors
Score Comparisons & Statistics
Understanding how your score compares to others provides helpful context. Here are some general statistics for different groups.
Average Scores by Education
- High School Students: 85-92
- College Freshmen: 78-88
- College Seniors: 55-72
- Graduate Students: 45-65
Score Distribution (Approx.)
- 95-100: ~5% of takers
- 70-94: ~45% of takers
- 45-69: ~35% of takers
- 0-44: ~15% of takers