What is a Likert scale - and why it is the basis for precise surveys

Why the Likert scale is so important

The Likert scale is one of the most widely used measuring instruments in empirical research. It allows subjective assessments to be quantified - for example, how strongly someone agrees or disagrees with a statement.

Especially in the employee survey or in 360° feedback This is crucial: only if answers are collected in a structured and comparable manner can clear recommendations for action be made.

How a Likert scale works

A classic Likert scale consists of a series of response options - usually five or seven levels - that lead from a negative to a positive attitude.

An example:

"I feel sufficiently supported by my manager."

1 - Strongly disagree
2 - Disagree
3 - Neither
4 - Agree
5 - Strongly agree

This creates a simple, intuitive scale that is understandable for both respondents and analysts.

The optimal scaling: 5 or 7 points? Or 10 points?

In practice, 5-level or 7-level scales are usually used.

• 5-point scales are clear and promote a high response rate.

• 7-point scales allow finer gradations and are particularly suitable for experienced respondents or in scientific contexts.

Which variant is better depends on the objective and the target group - ValueQuest supports you in choosing the right model. The limitation to 5 or 7 points has statistical and psychological reasons:

The Likert scale is designed to do two things:

1. Differentiate between subjective opinions,

2. remain simple and intuitive at the same time.

   - If it is too short (e.g. 3 points), subtle nuances are lost.
   - If it is too long (e.g. 9 or 10 points), many respondents are overwhelmed - they often don't know whether 8 or 9 really makes a difference.

5- and 7-level scales are therefore regarded as the optimum compromise between:

• cognitive simplicity (answers remain clearly distinguishable)

• Measurement accuracy (sufficient variance for statistical evaluations)

For odd-numbered scales (e.g. 5 or 7 points), there is always a neutral mean value, i.e. a "neither" option. This allows respondents to express a neutral or undecided attitude. In the case of even scales (e.g. 4 or 6 points), this middle point is deliberately removed in order to force respondents to express a clear tendency - agreement or disagreement.

Why are there still 10-point scales?
10-point scales are sometimes used for numerical ratings (e.g. NPS, satisfaction), but are not Likert scales in the narrower sense because they usually do not have semantically labeled levels (such as "agree/disagree"). They therefore measure intensity rather than agreement. In addition, 10-point scales lose reliability because people interpret differently what an "8" means, for example.

Likert scales in use at ValueQuest

Our solutions are based on carefully calibrated scales that ensure high validity and comparability.

• Employee surveysCapture sentiment, satisfaction and trust - in a well-founded and comprehensible way.

• 360° feedbackUse standardized Likert scales to make leadership skills measurable from different perspectives.

• Public VoiceMeasure the public's perception of your organization - from approval to disapproval.

Advantages of the Likert scale

• Easy to understand: respondents can answer intuitively.

• High comparability: Results can be easily analyzed across groups and time periods.

• Statistical evaluability: average values, standard deviations and trends can be calculated precisely.

• Flexibility: The scale is suitable for almost any topic - from satisfaction to attitudes or values.

Best Practices

1. Avoid double negatives: Clear, positive formulations lead to more reliable results.

2. Use consistent answer formats: A standardized scale increases comparability.

3. Combine with open questions: additional qualitative feedback provides valuable contextual information.

4. Visualize trends: Changes over time are often more meaningful than individual values.

Conclusion

The Likert scale is an inconspicuous but powerful tool: it translates opinions and feelings into numbers - and thus makes progress measurable.
With ValueQuest's survey solutions, you can use the Likert scale in a targeted way to gain insights, support decisions and make the effectiveness of your measures verifiable.