Subjective Happiness Scale — SHS (4 items)
The 4-item SHS by Lyubomirsky & Lepper (1999) is the most-cited measure of global subjective happiness. It treats happiness as a stable disposition rather than a momentary mood. Takes one minute.
⚠️ Important notice: Test results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute a clinical diagnosis. If in doubt, consult a specialist. Learn more
Before you start
No account, no personal details — you see your result right away and your answers stay private.
What does this test measure?
Dimensions measured in this test
Subjective Happiness
Global sense of happiness as a stable disposition — not a momentary mood. Lyubomirsky SHS scale.
How does the test work?
The test consists of 4 statements. For each one, indicate how much you agree using a 7-point scale — from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree." There are no right or wrong answers — respond honestly and spontaneously.
Completing the test takes approximately 1 minutes. You can take it on a computer or phone — your answers are saved automatically.
How to interpret results?
After completing the test, you will receive detailed results for each dimension along with interpretation. Your scores are compared against population norms, so you can see how you compare to others.
Scientific basis
This test is based on established scientific literature and is used in psychological research worldwide. Questions come from public, validated psychometric instruments.
Sources
- Lyubomirsky S, Lepper HS. A Measure of Subjective Happiness: Preliminary Reliability and Construct Validation. Soc Indic Res. 1999;46:137-155. doi.org/10.1023/A:1006824100041
Content last updated: July 10, 2026
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Frequently asked questions
Is this test free?▼
Yes, the test is fully free — every question, the scoring and the result with a dimension-by-dimension interpretation. You see your result immediately after the last answer, with no registration, e-mail or card required. An extended PDF report is available as an optional purchase, but you do not need it to see and understand your score.
How long does it take to complete?▼
It takes about 1 minutes — the test has 4 questions, each answered with a single click on a scale. There is no time limit, you can go at your own pace, and a progress bar shows how much is left. You get the most accurate results by answering spontaneously rather than deliberating over single items.
Are the results accurate?▼
The test is based on a published, validated psychometric instrument — the source and authors are listed in the scientific-basis section on this page, and clinical tests additionally cite their validation studies. Scores are computed with the published scoring keys. Bear in mind that a self-report questionnaire captures a snapshot in time and is educational — it does not replace a clinical diagnosis by a professional.
Can I save my results?▼
Yes. Right after the test you can save the result to a free account in one click — just an e-mail; sign-in uses a magic link, no password. Saved results build your psychological profile, where you can compare dimensions across different tests on one chart and revisit results any time. Without an account you still see your result — it just is not kept for later.