Likert Scale Questions 2026: Examples and Free Tools

What is a Likert scale?

A Likert scale asks people to show the strength of their opinion, agreement, satisfaction, frequency or perceived importance using ordered response options. For most simple surveys, a five-point scale with a neutral middle option is a practical starting point, while the best free tool depends on response limits and the features you need.

The original Likert response format used five points and was published by Rensis Likert in 1932, although modern Likert-style questions can use different numbers of options. A single statement is a Likert item; a group of related items can form a Likert scale measuring a wider attitude or concept. (Research background on Likert scales)

Likert scale examples

Agreement scale

Statement: “The website made it easy to find the information I needed.”

• Strongly disagree
• Disagree
• Neither agree nor disagree
• Agree
• Strongly agree

Satisfaction scale

Question: “How satisfied are you with our customer support?”

• Very dissatisfied
• Dissatisfied
• Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
• Satisfied
• Very satisfied

Other useful response formats

• Frequency: Never, Rarely, Sometimes, Often, Always.
• Importance: Not at all important, Slightly important, Moderately important, Very important, Extremely important.
• Quality: Very poor, Poor, Average, Good, Excellent.

Five-point versus seven-point scales

Five-point scales are short and easy to complete. Seven-point scales provide two additional degrees of agreement, for example “Somewhat disagree” and “Somewhat agree”. An odd-numbered scale allows a neutral midpoint. An even-numbered scale can be appropriate when respondents must choose a positive or negative side, but removing neutrality can misrepresent people who have no opinion or no relevant experience. (University survey-design guidance)

There is no universally correct number of response options. A 2025 study notes that research has not established one optimal number for every Likert item or research context. (2025 research on response-option numbers)

Ready-to-use questionnaire templates

Customer satisfaction

1. The product met my expectations.
2. The product was easy to use.
3. The instructions were clear.
4. The product provided good value for money.
5. I would recommend this product to others.

Employee engagement

1. I understand what is expected of me at work.
2. I have the resources I need to do my job well.
3. My ideas are taken seriously.
4. I receive useful feedback.
5. I would recommend this organisation as a good place to work.

Course or training evaluation

1. The course objectives were clear.
2. The course content was relevant.
3. The instructor explained complex topics clearly.
4. The pace of the course was appropriate.
5. I can apply what I learned.

Website or product feedback

1. The website was easy to navigate.
2. I found the information I needed.
3. The design was visually appealing.
4. The checkout or sign-up process was straightforward.
5. I would use this website again.

Likert scales versus rating scales

A Likert scale is one type of rating scale, but the terms are not interchangeable. A Likert item normally presents a statement and asks respondents to select an ordered attitude, such as their level of agreement. A star rating or a 0–10 satisfaction score is a rating question, but it is not necessarily a Likert item. (Likert scale definition)

Common mistakes to avoid

• Double-barrelled statements: “The product was affordable and easy to use” asks about two different issues. Split it into two items.
• Leading wording: Avoid wording such as “How excellent was our service?” Use a neutral, specific question instead.
• Inconsistent response labels: Do not switch from agreement labels to quality labels without making the change clear.
• Missing non-applicable options: “Neither agree nor disagree” is different from “I do not know” or “Not applicable”.
• Overloaded mobile grids: Matrix questions can be difficult to use on small screens. A one-question-at-a-time layout may be easier.
• Assuming more points are always better: Extra options may add detail but can also make a question harder to answer.

Keep each item focused on one idea and avoid treating the numbers as perfectly precise measurements. The appropriate analysis depends on whether you are examining individual items or combining related items into a wider scale.

Best free tools for Likert questionnaires in 2026

Prices checked 8 September 2026. Prices can vary by country, billing frequency, account type and promotional pricing.

Google Forms supports multiple-choice grids that can be used for a matrix-style Likert question, while Microsoft documents different limits for personal and Microsoft 365 environments. (Google Forms limits; Microsoft Forms limits)

Choose SpaceForms if unlimited free responses and AI-generated survey creation are the priority; it is newer and less established than the larger platforms and has fewer integrations than Typeform, Jotform and SurveyMonkey. Choose Google Forms for a familiar basic questionnaire, Microsoft Forms for an organisation already using Microsoft 365, Typeform for a one-question-at-a-time presentation, SurveyMonkey for more mature survey-management features, or Jotform for payment and workflow forms. SpaceForms publishes guides on survey design and also provides free NPS and CSAT calculators; its advertised free response limit is a provider-stated feature.

For readers who want to build a questionnaire around these examples, SpaceForms can generate a survey from a description and does not require an account to create a form.

Frequently asked questions

Should a Likert scale have five or seven points?

Use five points when simplicity matters. Use seven when respondents can distinguish more fine-grained levels of agreement. Neither is universally best.

Should every Likert question include a neutral option?

Include one when respondents may genuinely have no opinion or mixed feelings. Add “Not applicable” when some people may not have enough experience to answer.

Can I calculate an average for Likert responses?

There is no universal rule. Consider whether you are analysing one item or a multi-item scale, and state the assumptions behind your method.

Is a 0–10 score a Likert scale?

It is a rating scale, but not usually a Likert item because it does not normally ask respondents to select their agreement with a statement.

Which free tool is best for many responses?

SpaceForms advertises unlimited responses on its free plan. Google Forms, Microsoft Forms, Typeform, SurveyMonkey and Jotform have documented thresholds or plan-dependent restrictions, so check the limit that applies to your account.