The Linear Scale component displays a numbered scale that respondents can use to rate or score something. This format works well for NPS-style questions, agreement scales, and any situation where you need numeric ratings with clear endpoints.
When to use Linear Scale
Section titled “When to use Linear Scale”Linear Scale is ideal for:
- Net Promoter Score (NPS) questions
- Agreement/disagreement scales
- Likelihood ratings
- Importance ratings
- Any numeric scale with labeled endpoints
Adding a Linear Scale component
Section titled “Adding a Linear Scale component”-
Open your form in the editor
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Drag the Linear Scale component from the left sidebar onto your form
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Click the component to select it and configure its settings
Configuration options
Section titled “Configuration options”Question label
Section titled “Question label”The main question or prompt displayed above the scale.
Examples:
- “How likely are you to recommend us to a friend?”
- “How strongly do you agree with this statement?”
- “How important is this feature to you?”
Description
Section titled “Description”Optional helper text that appears below the question label.
When to use descriptions:
- To provide the statement being rated (for agreement scales)
- To clarify what the numbers mean
- To give context for the rating
Examples:
- “Consider your overall experience with our product”
- “Think about how this would impact your daily work”
Maximum value
Section titled “Maximum value”Set the highest number on the scale. The scale always starts at 1.
| Max Value | Common Use |
|---|---|
| 5 | Simple scales, agreement ratings |
| 7 | Likert scales |
| 10 | NPS, detailed ratings |
Labels
Section titled “Labels”Add text labels to the endpoints of your scale to clarify meaning.
Low label: Describes what the lowest value (1) means High label: Describes what the highest value means
Example label pairs:
- “Not at all likely” / “Extremely likely”
- “Strongly disagree” / “Strongly agree”
- “Not important” / “Very important”
- “Poor” / “Excellent”
Required
Section titled “Required”Toggle whether a selection must be made before the form can be submitted.
When enabled:
- An asterisk (*) appears next to the question label
- Users must select a value to submit
- A validation message appears if no selection is made
Tips for effective use
Section titled “Tips for effective use”Always use endpoint labels. Numbers alone can be ambiguous. Labels clarify what 1 and the maximum mean.
Choose the right scale length. 5-point scales are simple and familiar. 7-point scales offer more nuance. 10-point scales (like NPS) are standard for certain metrics.
Be consistent. If using multiple linear scales in a form, keep the same scale length and label style for easier comparison.
Consider the midpoint. Odd-numbered scales (5, 7) have a neutral midpoint. Even-numbered scales (6, 10) force a lean toward positive or negative.
Match industry standards. For NPS, always use 0-10 (or 1-10). For Likert scales, 5 or 7 points are standard.
Linear scale interaction
Section titled “Linear scale interaction”Selecting a value
Section titled “Selecting a value”- All numbers are displayed in a row
- Click any number to select it
- The selected number is highlighted
- Click a different number to change selection
Visual design
Section titled “Visual design”- Numbers are evenly spaced
- Endpoint labels appear at the ends
- Selected value is clearly highlighted
- Responsive layout adapts to screen size
Common scale types
Section titled “Common scale types”5-point Likert scale
Section titled “5-point Likert scale”1 - Strongly disagree2 - Disagree3 - Neutral4 - Agree5 - Strongly agree7-point Likert scale
Section titled “7-point Likert scale”1 - Strongly disagree2 - Disagree3 - Somewhat disagree4 - Neutral5 - Somewhat agree6 - Agree7 - Strongly agreeNPS scale (0-10 or 1-10)
Section titled “NPS scale (0-10 or 1-10)”0-6 (or 1-6) - Detractors7-8 - Passives9-10 - PromotersLinear scale vs. other components
Section titled “Linear scale vs. other components”| Component | Best For |
|---|---|
| Linear Scale | Numeric ratings with labeled endpoints |
| Rating | Star-based visual ratings |
| Slider | Continuous ranges |
| Multi Choice | Categorical options |
Accessibility
Section titled “Accessibility”The Linear Scale component is built with accessibility in mind:
- Proper radio group semantics
- Keyboard navigation (Arrow keys)
- Screen reader announces values and labels
- Clear visual feedback
- Focus states are visible
Handling responses
Section titled “Handling responses”Linear scale responses in your form results:
- Show the numeric value selected
- Can be averaged across responses
- Are included in exports as numbers
- Allow statistical analysis
Analyzing linear scale data
Section titled “Analyzing linear scale data”Common ways to analyze linear scale responses:
- Average score: Mean value across responses
- Distribution: Count of each value selected
- Top/bottom box: Percentage selecting highest/lowest values
- NPS calculation: % Promoters - % Detractors
Related
- Rating - For star-based ratings
- Slider - For continuous range selection
- Multi Choice - For categorical choices
- Matrix - For rating multiple items on the same scale
Need help?
For additional assistance with the Linear Scale component, check our FAQ section or contact our support team.