EQ

Empathy Quotient

AutismSelf-reportAges 16+60 statements~12 min

Validated by Baron-Cohen & Wheelwright (2004) · View paper

Clinically reviewed by Dr. Jaye Turrietta, PsyD, BCBA-D, AEP

A 60-item self-report measure of empathy in adults.

For each statement, select the response that best matches how you feel. Some statements do not score — they are included to balance the questionnaire. Answer them all honestly.

60 statements · ~12 min · Auto-saved

About the EQ

The Empathy Quotient was developed by Simon Baron-Cohen and Sally Wheelwright at the Autism Research Centre. It measures cognitive empathy (understanding others’ mental states) and affective empathy (responding appropriately to others’ feelings). Lower scores are commonly associated with autistic traits.

60 items total (40 scoring + 20 filler). Designed for adults. Takes about 10–15 minutes.

Scoring

Only 40 of the 60 items contribute to the score. Each scoring item awards 2 points for a “Definitely” response or 1 point for a “Slightly” response in the empathic direction. The maximum score is 80. A score of 30 or below suggests lower empathy, which is common among autistic individuals.

Reliability

The EQ shows good internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.92) and strong test-retest reliability. It reliably discriminates between autistic and non-autistic groups, with autistic adults scoring significantly lower on average.

Important: The EQ measures self-reported empathy, not empathic capacity. Autistic individuals may experience empathy differently rather than lacking it. A low score is not a diagnosis.

Baron-Cohen, S., & Wheelwright, S. (2004). The Empathy Quotient: An investigation of adults with Asperger Syndrome or High Functioning Autism, and normal sex differences. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 34(2), 163–175.

EQ FAQs

The most common questions about the EQ (Empathy Quotient).

What is the EQ?

The EQ (Empathy Quotient) is a 60-item statement self-report screener for empathy as a trait dimension. A 60-item self-report measure of empathy with scoring items and filler items. It was developed by Baron-Cohen & Wheelwright (2004).

Who can take the EQ?

The EQ is designed for adults age 16 and up to complete themselves.

How long does the EQ take?

Most people complete the EQ in about 12 minutes. You can pause at any time — your answers are saved in your browser, so you can resume on the same device.

Is the EQ diagnostic?

No. The EQ is a screening tool, not a diagnostic instrument. It is a validated screener that can suggest whether further evaluation is warranted, but only a licensed clinical psychologist or psychiatrist can make a formal diagnosis. NeuroClarity offers PSYPACT-licensed telehealth autism and ADHD evaluations via telehealth — a doctoral-level psychologist conducts a comprehensive evaluation, with reports typically delivered within days.

Is the EQ free to take here?

Yes. The EQ is free to take on this page. We don't require a sign-up, and we don't collect or share your responses — your answers are saved locally in your browser. You can also export your results as a PDF for your own records or to share with a clinician.

What does my EQ score mean?

After you complete the EQ, you'll see your total score broken into the validated severity / likelihood bands published for this instrument, along with a plain-language interpretation. Specific cutoffs vary by tool — for the EQ, the scoring ranges and band descriptions are shown directly on the results page.

What if my EQ score is elevated?

An elevated score on the EQ is one signal — not a diagnosis. The recommended next step is a comprehensive clinical evaluation. NeuroClarity offers PSYPACT-licensed telehealth autism and ADHD evaluations starting at $950 flat fee with no waitlist; reports are typically delivered within days and include the diagnostic documentation needed for IEPs, ABA prior authorization, and other downstream services.

If your EQ score suggests further evaluation may be warranted, book a comprehensive evaluation with one of our PSYPACT-licensed clinical psychologists. Reports typically delivered within one week.

How the EQ compares to related screeners

Most autism screeners measure similar constructs but vary in length, target audience, and emphasis. Here's how the EQ relates to the most commonly-paired alternatives.

EQ vs AQ-50

The EQ and the AQ-50 both measure empathy as a trait dimension at a similar length (60 vs 50 statements). They originated from different research groups (2004 and 2001 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the AQ-50 →

EQ vs SQ-R

The EQ and the SQ-R both measure empathy as a trait dimension at a similar length (60 vs 75 statements). They originated from different research groups (2004 and 2006 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the SQ-R →

EQ vs GSQ

The EQ and the GSQ both measure empathy as a trait dimension at a similar length (60 vs 42 statements). They originated from different research groups (2004 and 2013 respectively) and emphasize slightly different facets of the construct. Taking both and comparing your scores can be more informative than either one alone.

Take the GSQ →

Add this free screener to your site

Educators, clinicians, and organizations are welcome to embed the EQ for free. Copy the snippet below. It keeps a small link back to NeuroClarity.

EQ