Understand the Scoring Scale in the Big Five Personality Mapping

In the IPIP-NEO-120 personality assessment, each of the five major traits (Big Five) is measured using 24 items, totaling 120 questions. Each item is answered using a 5-point Likert scale, ranging from “Strongly Disagree” (1) to “Strongly Agree” (5). This means that the total score for each trait can range from 24 to 120 points.

Since we do not use a specific reference population, we apply a generic criterion: scores equal to 72 are considered “Neutral,” scores below that are “Low,” and scores above are “High.”

How does the scale work?

• 120: maximum possible score

• 24: minimum possible score

• 72 is considered Neutral – Mathematically (120 + 24) / 2 = 72

• Below 72 is Low

• Above 72 is High

About the Facets

Each personality trait consists of six specific facets, each measured by four items. Therefore, the 24 items form the complete trait.

The same logic of interpretation applies to the facets: the minimum score is 4 (“Strongly Disagree” on all items) and the maximum is 20 (“Strongly Agree” on all items).

In this case, the midpoint is 12.

• 20: maximum possible score

• 4: minimum possible score

• 12 is considered Neutral – (20 + 4) / 2 = 12

• Below 12 is Low

• Above 12 is High

How to understand the numbers?

You can interpret each trait using these ranges as reference. For example, if someone has a High level in Achievement-Striving, this indicates that the person tends to be very focused, disciplined, enjoys planning, meets deadlines, and feels motivated by accomplishing tasks.

This data helps identify behavioral patterns and preferences, contributing to self-awareness and providing insights for areas like work, education, and relationships.

Numerical scores also allow for more refined interpretations, especially when compared to normative data from a target population, considering factors such as age and gender. In this context, a score at the 70th percentile means the person scores higher than 70% of the reference population in that trait — making it possible to categorize and compare personality profiles within the studied reality.

And before we finish, just a few reminders:

👆 No score is “better” or “worse” — each trait has its strengths and challenges depending on the context.

👆 The goal is to understand tendencies, not to label people.

👆 Personality can change throughout life, especially through new experiences and learning moments.

If you’d like to better understand your results or apply this in your context, feel free to reach out! We’re here to help.