What Is the Rice Purity Test? The Complete Guide

If you've spent any time on TikTok, Instagram or a college group chat, you've probably seen someone post a number like "my Rice Purity score is 74". The number usually comes with a laughing emoji and a dare to share yours. But what exactly is the Rice Purity Test, and what does that number really say about a person?

This guide covers everything: the test's origins, how it works, how to read your score, and how to take it in a way that stays fun.

The Rice Purity Test in one sentence

The Rice Purity Test is a 100-question, self-graded checklist of life experiences. You check every item you've done, and your score is 100 minus the number of checks.

That's it. There's no algorithm, no weighting and no hidden meaning. A "yes" to holding hands counts exactly as much as a "yes" to something far wilder.

Where the test came from

The test is named after Rice University in Houston, Texas. According to the university's student newspaper, the Rice Thresher, a purity test was published in its pages as early as 1924. That first version was given to women students, and the Thresher later reported that the 119 women who took it had an average score of 62.

The test resurfaced in the Thresher several times over the following decades, including in the 1970s and 1980s, each time with updated questions that reflected student life at the time. Eventually it became a tradition during Orientation Week (O-Week), when new students used it as an icebreaker. The idea was to show incoming freshmen that everyone arrives at college with different experiences, and that none of them are anything to be ashamed of.

From there, the test spread to other campuses and, eventually, to the internet. We cover the full timeline in our history of the Rice Purity Test.

What kinds of questions are on the test?

The classic test covers a broad sweep of experiences, roughly progressing from mild to extreme. Questions usually fall into these groups:

• Romance and dating: holding hands, dates, kissing, relationships.
• Intimacy: experiences that go further than kissing.
• Alcohol: drinking, being drunk, drinking games, hangovers.
• Smoking and substances: cigarettes, vaping, cannabis and other drugs.
• Rule-breaking and the law: lying to parents, sneaking out, tickets, arrests.
• Nightlife and adventure: parties, all-nighters, tattoos, travel.

For a deeper look, see Rice Purity Test questions explained.

How the scoring works

Every box you check subtracts one point from 100:

On shorter variations, like our 50-question Teen or Couples tests, the score is converted to a percentage so that every version uses the same 0–100 scale.

What does my score mean?

Higher scores mean fewer checked experiences, and lower scores mean more. People usually describe the ranges something like this:

• 98–100: practically untouched by the list.
• 87–97: some dating and small first experiences.
• 65–86: a typical teen or college social life.
• 45–64: a broad range of experiences.
• Below 45: most of the list checked.

Each range has its own detailed page in our score meanings guide.

The most important thing to know is that there's no good or bad score. The test doesn't measure character, intelligence, kindness or maturity. Two people with the same score can have checked entirely different boxes.

Why do people take it?

There are a few big reasons the test has stayed popular for so long:

1. Curiosity. People like seeing themselves summarized in a number.
2. Bonding. Comparing scores is an easy way to start conversations, which is exactly why it became an orientation tradition.
3. Nostalgia. Retaking the test years later shows how much your life has changed.
4. Social media. Short, shareable numbers are perfect for trends and stories.

Is the Rice Purity Test appropriate for everyone?

The classic test includes mature questions about sex, alcohol and drugs, so it's designed for ages 17 and up. For younger people, or for classrooms and families, there are better options:

• The Teen Purity Test uses everyday teenage experiences instead of mature topics.
• The Clean Purity Test is fully family-friendly.

Is it private?

It depends on the website. On this site, your individual answers never leave your device. When you calculate your score, only the final number is sent so we can show how you compare to others, and it's never linked to you. Before taking the test anywhere, it's worth checking how that site handles your data. We wrote a whole article on taking the test safely.

How to take the test (the fun way)

• Be honest. The number is only interesting if it's real.
• Take it privately first. Then decide what, if anything, you want to share.
• Don't pressure others. Nobody owes anyone an explanation for any answer.
• Remember it's a game. It was designed as an icebreaker, not a test you can pass or fail.

Frequently asked questions

How many questions are on the Rice Purity Test?

The classic version has 100 questions. Variations, like the ones for teens or couples, are often shorter.

Can I take the Rice Purity Test more than once?

Yes, as many times as you like. Many people retake it every few years to see how their score has changed.

Is the Rice Purity Test scientific?

No. It's a fun self-assessment with no scientific validation. Read more in Is the Rice Purity Test accurate?.

Is this site affiliated with Rice University?

No. We're an independent site inspired by the tradition, with our own question wording.

Ready to find your number?

Now that you know what it is, take the Rice Purity Test. It takes about three minutes, it's completely anonymous, and you'll see instantly how you compare with everyone else.