Diving into Likert Scale Types: A Comprehensive Guide

A Likert scale is a widely used survey tool designed to measure attitudes, opinions, and perceptions by offering a range of response options.

Different Likert scale types exist based on the number of points and the response format, such as agreement, frequency, satisfaction, and importance scales.

Choosing the right type ensures accurate data collection and meaningful insights for research, customer feedback, and decision-making.

Comprehending various Likert Scale types can enhance your ability to collect more precise and meaningful data, ultimately leading to improved survey results and a higher response rate.

Selecting the type of Likert Scale for your business can help you extract actionable insights from survey data efficiently.

Before delving into the blog's core theme, we'll address the following question: What is a Likert Scale and its types?

What are Likert Scale Types?

Definition: Likert scale types refer to different variations of the Likert scale used in surveys to measure attitudes, opinions, or perceptions.

These include 3-point, 5-point, 7-point, 9-point, and 10-point scales, as well as bipolar and unipolar scales, each offering varying levels of detail and response options.

When to Use a Specific Likert Scale Type?

Choosing the right Likert scale type depends on the survey's purpose, required level of detail, and respondent preferences. Each type has its strengths and is suited for different research needs.

• 3-Point Likert Scale – This scale is Best for simple surveys that require quick responses but provide limited detail. Suitable for basic feedback collection.
• 5-Point Likert Scale – The most commonly used scale, offering a balance between simplicity and depth. Ideal for general opinion or satisfaction surveys.
• 7-Point Likert Scale – Useful for capturing more nuanced opinions, reducing neutral bias, and improving response accuracy. Works well for academic and market research.
• 9-Point & 10-Point Likert Scale – Provides highly detailed responses, ideal for advanced research and statistical analysis. However, too many choices may cause respondent fatigue.
• Bipolar Likert Scale – Measures opinions on a spectrum with opposite ends (e.g., Very Satisfied – Very Dissatisfied). Suitable for comparing contrasting views.
• Unipolar Likert Scale – Focuses on a single attribute with varying intensity (e.g., Not Satisfied – Very Satisfied). Best for measuring the degree of a single concept.

Types of Likert Scales Based on Response Type

Likert scales can be categorized based on the type of response they collect, influencing the depth and clarity of feedback.

• Agreement Scale – Measures the level of agreement with a statement (e.g., Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree). Commonly used in opinion and satisfaction surveys.
• Frequency Scale – Captures how often an event or behavior occurs (e.g., never to always). Useful for tracking habits and trends.
• Importance Scale – Evaluates the significance of an aspect (e.g., Not Important to Very Important). Often used in decision-making surveys.
• Satisfaction Scale – Assesses contentment levels with a product or service (e.g., Very Dissatisfied to Very Satisfied). Ideal for customer experience research.
• Likelihood Scale – Determines the probability of future actions (e.g., Not Likely to Very Likely). Commonly used in purchase intent and behavioral studies.

How to Visualize Different Likert Scale Types?

Google Sheets has long been a reliable choice for data visualization, thanks to its widespread familiarity and years of trusted use. However, one notable limitation is its lack of built-in Likert Scale chart options.

We recognize that transitioning to a new tool can be challenging and time-consuming. That’s why we’re not suggesting you abandon Google Sheets for costly alternatives.

Instead, there’s a simple, cost-effective solution that integrates seamlessly with your existing setup: an add-on designed to enhance your data visualization capabilities, including ready-made Likert Scale charts. This tool is called?ChartExpo.

So, what exactly is ChartExpo?

ChartExpo is a user-friendly add-on that you can effortlessly install into Google Sheets, requiring no lengthy tutorials or steep learning curve.

It offers a wide range of pre-built visualizations, enabling you to transform complex, raw data into clear, insightful charts that communicate your data’s story effectively and in real time. With ChartExpo, creating professional visualizations becomes quick and hassle-free.

Steps to Analyze Likert Scale Different Types in Excel:

1. Open your Excel application.
2. Install ChartExpo Add-in for Excel from Microsoft AppSource to create interactive visualizations.
3. Select Likert Scale Chart from the list of charts.
4. Select your data
5. Click on the “Create Chart from Selection”? button.
6. Customize your chart properties to add a header, axis, legends, and other required information.
7. Export your chart and share it with your audience.

The following video will help you to create a Likert Scale Chart in Microsoft Excel.

Steps to Analyze Likert Scale Different Types in Google Sheets:

Open your Google Sheets application.

1. Install ChartExpo Add-on for Google Sheets from Google Workspace Marketplace.
2. Select Likert Scale Chart from the list of charts.
3. Fill out the necessary fields
4. Click on the Create Chart button.
5. Customize your chart properties to add a header, axis, legends, and other required information.
6. Export your chart and share it with your audience.

The following video will help you to create a Likert Scale Chart in Google Sheets.

Steps to Analyze Likert Scale Different Types in Power BI:

1. Open your Power BI Desktop or Web.
2. From the Power BI Visualizations pane, expand the three dots at the bottom and select “Get more visuals.”
3. Search for “Likert Scale Chart by ChartExpo” on the AppSource
4. Add the custom visual
5. Select your data and configure the chart settings to create the chart
6. Customize your chart properties to add a header, axis, legends, and other required information.
7. Share the chart with your audience.

The following video will help you to create a Likert Scale Chart in Microsoft Power BI.

Characteristics of Likert Scale Types

A Likert scale is a popular rating scale used in surveys to measure attitudes, opinions, or perceptions. Different types of Likert scales have unique characteristics that suit various research needs.

1. 3-Point Likert Scale

• Simple and easy to understand.
• Limited response options (e.g., Agree, Neutral, Disagree).
• Best for quick surveys but may lack depth in responses.

2. 5-Point Likert Scale

• Most commonly used scale for balanced responses.
• Typically includes: Strongly Disagree, Disagree, Neutral, Agree, Strongly Agree.
• Provides a good balance between simplicity and detailed feedback.

3. 7-Point Likert Scale

• Offers a broader range of responses for more nuanced opinions.
• Reduces central tendency bias (less clustering around neutral responses).
• Ideal for research requiring precise attitude measurement.

4. 9-Point & 10-Point Likert Scale

• More detailed than 5- or 7-point scales.
• Useful for advanced statistical analysis and fine distinctions in opinions.
• May cause decision fatigue for respondents due to too many choices.

5. Bipolar vs. Unipolar Likert Scale

• Bipolar: Measures opinions on a continuum with opposing extremes (e.g., Very Unhappy – Very Happy).
• Unipolar: Focuses on a single construct with varying intensities (e.g., Not Satisfied – Very Satisfied).

Likert Scale Types - FAQs

What is a Likert Scale?

A Likert scale is a survey tool used to measure attitudes, opinions, or perceptions by allowing respondents to rate their level of agreement or satisfaction on a structured scale (e.g., 1 to 5 or 1 to 7).

Which Likert Scale is Best?

The 5-point Likert scale is the most commonly used as it balances simplicity and detail. However, 7-point scales provide more nuanced responses, making them ideal for in-depth analysis.

Wrap Up

Analyzing survey data can be a challenging and time-intensive process.

Why is this the case?

Survey data often includes a mix of both textual and numerical information, adding layers of complexity. This complexity demands a strategic shift, particularly when it comes to visualizing the data effectively.

This is where specialized tools like the?Likert Scale?prove invaluable. The Likert Scale is one of several chart types specifically designed to help businesses uncover actionable insights from survey data quickly and efficiently.

There are two primary types of Likert Scales:

1. Odd Likert Scale
2. Even Likert Scale

You read that correctly.

While Google Sheets is a powerful tool, it doesn’t natively support survey visualization charts like the Likert Scale. However, this doesn’t mean you need to switch to expensive alternatives.

So, what’s the solution?

We suggest integrating third-party applications, such as?ChartExpo, into your workflow. ChartExpo provides ready-to-use Likert Scale charts, eliminating the need for complex setups or costly software.

ChartExpo is a Google Sheets add-on packed with intuitive, pre-built Likert Scale visualizations. The best part? You don’t need any programming or coding expertise to use it.

Start your?7-day free trial?today and gain access to easy-to-interpret, visually appealing Likert Scale charts that will resonate with your audience and enhance your data storytelling.