Empathy Test — How Empathetic Are You?

A 15-question assessment measuring your emotional empathy — your ability to sense, share, and respond to others' feelings and experiences.

Personality & Behaviour

Empathy Test — How Empathetic Are You?

Empathy is the ability to understand and share the feelings of another person. It is a core component of emotional intelligence and plays a central role in relationships, leadership, and mental wellbeing. Research shows people vary naturally in empathic ability — some feel others' emotions deeply, while others respond more cognitively. This test is based on emotional empathy research and measures how strongly you tend to feel, recognise, and respond to the emotions of those around you.

5 min15 questionsFree, no sign-up

This test is designed for entertainment and self-reflection purposes. Results are not clinically validated and should not be used as a substitute for professional assessment.

What you'll find out

  • Low Empathy
  • Moderate Empathy
  • High Empathy
  • Very High Empathy

What empathy is — and the different types

Empathy involves understanding and sharing the feelings of others. Psychologists distinguish between cognitive empathy (understanding what another person is thinking or feeling, without necessarily feeling it yourself), affective empathy (actually feeling what another person feels), and compassionate empathy (being moved to help).

High cognitive empathy is associated with skilled social navigation, effective negotiation, and leadership. High affective empathy is associated with warm relationships and caregiving roles but also with empathic distress — burnout from absorbing others' emotions.

Contrary to popular belief, more empathy isn't always better. Very high affective empathy without cognitive regulation can lead to emotional overwhelm and poorer decision-making. The most effective social functioning combines cognitive and affective empathy with appropriate emotional regulation.

Frequently asked questions

Can empathy be learned?
Yes. Perspective-taking exercises, reading literary fiction, and deliberate practice with mindful listening all show documented improvements in cognitive empathy. Affective empathy is more trait-like but can be regulated.