Thinking About Taking an Emotional Intelligence Test? Here’s What EQ Test Scores Really Tell You

Emotional intelligence isn’t just a buzzword anymore—it’s become a key indicator of personal and professional success. If you’ve taken an emotional intelligence test recently (or are thinking about it), you’re probably curious about what your score actually says about you.

Often referred to as EQ tests—short for emotional quotient—these tools aim to measure how well you understand and manage emotions, both your own and other people’s. It’s what helps you navigate relationships, stay calm under pressure, and respond rather than react. 

And now, thanks to a growing number of assessments, emotional intelligence is something we can actually begin to measure in a meaningful way.

But here’s the thing: EQ test scores aren’t always self-explanatory. What’s considered “average”? What do your subscale scores reveal? And how can you use the results to grow?

In this article, we’ll explain what EQ test scores really say about you—and how you can use that insight to grow, connect better with others, and make smarter emotional decisions.

But First, What Is an EQ Test Score?

An EQ score is a numerical result that reflects how well you understand, manage, and respond to emotions—both your own and those of others. It’s the outcome of an emotional intelligence test, often broken down into sub-scores across core emotional skills.

Most people have heard of IQ scores—but EQ scores are still a mystery to many. They don’t measure logic or reasoning like IQ tests do. Instead, they reflect your ability to navigate emotions—how you show up in relationships, handle stress, and respond to challenges.

Technically, they’re called emotional intelligence (EI) tests, but just like we say “IQ test” instead of “intelligence test,” the phrase “EQ test” has become the more common shorthand. You’ll see both terms used online and in conversations—they mean the same thing.

These tests aim to measure emotional intelligence across several key areas. While frameworks can vary slightly, one of the most widely accepted models—developed by psychologist Daniel Goleman—breaks EQ down into five core components:

• Self-awareness: Understanding your own emotions and recognizing how they impact your thoughts and behaviors.
• Self-regulation: Managing emotions effectively, controlling impulses, and adapting to changing circumstances.
• Motivation: Being driven to achieve personal goals and consistently working towards self-improvement.
• Empathy (Social Awareness): Recognizing and understanding emotions in others, and responding appropriately.
• Social Skills (Relationship Management): Navigating social interactions effectively, building strong relationships, and resolving conflicts constructively.

There are two main types of EQ tests: self-report questionnaires and ability-based assessments. Each has a different approach to measuring emotional intelligence. Here’s a deeper look at how EQ is measured.

How EQ Scores Are Calculated

One of the most common ways emotional intelligence tests generate EQ scores is through rating scale responses. These tests often present statements like “I stay calm under pressure” or “I find it easy to understand others’ feelings,” and ask you to rate how true that is for you—typically using a scale from “strongly disagree” to “strongly agree.”

Each response is assigned a numerical value, and your total score is calculated based on the pattern of your answers across different questions. These scores typically roll up into a total EQ score and individual results for different emotional skill areas.

What Does an EQ Score Mean?

An EQ score is based on how you respond to situations that reflect your emotional intelligence—things like stress, failure, leadership challenges, and interpersonal dynamics. These scores reflect more than just how you feel; they reveal how you manage emotions, relate to others, and adapt under pressure.

In other words, your EQ score doesn’t just reflect how skilled you are at handling emotions—it also gives insight into your emotional capacity. The stronger your emotional intelligence, the more equipped you are to handle life’s emotional demands without becoming overwhelmed.

Overall Score vs. Subscale Scores

Most emotional intelligence tests give two types of results: an overall EQ score and a breakdown of individual scores for different components, such as self-awareness, empathy, self-regulation, motivation, and social skills. The overall EQ score gives you a general idea of your emotional intelligence level—usually falling into a low, average, or high range.

But it’s the subscale scores that reveal where your specific strengths and challenges lie.

Think of it like an IQ test: someone might have an average overall IQ, but score significantly higher in verbal reasoning and lower in spatial reasoning. The same goes for EQ—you might score high in empathy but struggle with self-regulation, or vice versa.

That’s why it’s important to look beyond the total number. Your subscale scores can guide you toward more targeted personal growth, helping you understand which emotional skills are already strong and which ones could use improvement.

EQ Score Ranges Explained

While different EQ tests may use various scoring systems, most will sort your overall results into one of three general categories: low, average, or high. These ranges don’t just label your score—they give you insight into how your emotional strengths show up in daily life, and where you might benefit from growth.

Low EQ Score

A low EQ test score typically indicates difficulty with self-awareness, emotional regulation, or understanding others. You may find it challenging to navigate conflict, stay calm under pressure, or express emotions in a healthy way. A lower score can reflect a more limited emotional capacity in high-stress or emotionally complex situations. 

Average EQ Score

An average score reflects a functional level of emotional intelligence. You can generally recognize your emotions and relate to others, but there may still be areas—like empathy, self-regulation, or social connection—where you could improve. Your emotional capacity may be strong in some situations but stretched thin in others.

High EQ Score

A high EQ test score suggests strong emotional awareness, empathy, and relationship management. People with high EQ tend to handle stress well, communicate clearly, and adapt smoothly in social situations. They’re also more likely to consider the other person’s viewpoint—an essential part of resolving conflict, building trust, and maintaining healthy relationships. This reflects a well-developed emotional capacity—one that allows for resilience, perspective-taking, and intentional responses. 

Be Aware: Score Formats May Vary

Not all emotional intelligence tests use the same scoring system. Some use a 0–100 scale, others rely on percentile rankings, and many provide individual ratings for each emotional skill area. For example, some tests—like BrainManager’s—include multiple questions for each core EQ component and use a point-based scale to rate responses.

What matters most isn’t the exact number, but how your results are grouped and interpreted. Low, average, and high ranges provide a useful framework for understanding where you currently stand—and which emotional skills you might want to strengthen moving forward.

Want a clearer picture of your EQ?

If you’re looking for a test that breaks your score down by skill area, BrainManager’s emotional intelligence test gives you detailed scores for each of the five core EQ skills—plus insights you can actually use. Whether you want to improve communication, build resilience, or become a better leader, it starts with knowing where you stand.

Are There Right or Wrong Answers on Emotional Intelligence Tests?

Not exactly. Unlike a math test, EQ tests don’t usually have clear-cut right or wrong answers. Instead, they assess how you typically respond in emotional or social situations.

For example, if you’re asked how you’d react to a coworker’s criticism, there isn’t one “correct” answer—but your response can reveal how well you handle feedback, regulate emotions, or navigate conflict. 

That said, some tests do compare your answers to emotionally intelligent behaviors. You won’t get a red X for choosing differently, but your responses may highlight areas where your emotional skills could use improvement.

Bottom line? It’s less about getting a high score and more about increasing your self-awareness.

Is the Emotional Intelligence Quotient the Same as the Empathy Quotient?

Not quite—although they’re related, they measure different things.

The emotional intelligence quotient (EQ) reflects your overall ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions—both in yourself and in others. As we have discussed, it includes skills like emotional regulation, motivation, social awareness, and of course, empathy. 

The empathy quotient (also EQ, but a different one!) focuses specifically on your ability to relate to others emotionally. It doesn’t measure all areas of emotional intelligence—just your capacity for empathy.

The Empathy Quotient Test was developed by psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen and colleagues at Cambridge University. It’s often used in research settings and as a screening tool in assessments related to autism spectrum conditions, where challenges with empathy—especially cognitive empathy—can be more common.

There are two main types of empathy that this test often looks at:

• Cognitive empathy is your ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes—to understand what they’re feeling or thinking from their point of view.
• Emotional empathy is when you become emotionally involved with someone else’s experience—feeling their sadness, excitement, or frustration almost as if it were your own.

So, while emotional intelligence includes empathy as one important component, empathy quotient tests zero in on just that one piece of the puzzle.

Interpreting Emotional Intelligence Test Results

Understanding your emotional intelligence test results is the key to making them useful. Here's how to get the most out of what your scores are telling you.

Review the Assessment Tool

Not all emotional intelligence tests are created equal. Some focus more on emotional regulation, while others emphasize interpersonal connection or motivation. Before diving into your results, take a minute to understand what kind of test you took—and what it was actually designed to measure. The scoring method and interpretation guidelines will vary based on the tool.

Examine the Overall Score

Most EQ tests provide an overall score that gives you a general sense of your emotional intelligence. Think of it as your big-picture snapshot. A higher score typically reflects strong emotional awareness and regulation, while a lower score may highlight some challenges in those areas.

That said, don’t stop there. Your overall emotional intelligence score is helpful—but it’s the deeper breakdown that shows you where and how to grow.

Look Closely at Subscale Scores

This is where the real insight lives. Your test likely includes individual scores for each of the core emotional intelligence categories: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, motivation, and social skills.

Instead of focusing only on which areas are “high” or “low,” ask yourself:

• Which areas align with how I see myself?
• Are there any surprises?
• Which skill, if improved, would have the biggest impact on my daily life or relationships?

Even if your broad EQ score is average, one strong or weak subscore can offer a clear direction for personal development.

Identify Strengths and Weaknesses

Now that you’ve reviewed the details, take stock of what stands out. Are you highly empathetic but tend to lose control when stressed? Do you read others well but struggle to motivate yourself?

Knowing your emotional strengths gives you something to build on. Knowing your weak spots gives you a target for growth. You don’t have to “fix everything”—just focus on the areas that matter most to your goals or relationships.

Consider Growth Potential

Emotional intelligence isn’t fixed—it’s a skill set, not a personality trait. That means it can grow with practice, reflection, and feedback.

If your results point to areas you’d like to improve, that’s not a bad thing—it’s a starting point. Small shifts, such as practicing mindfulness, setting boundaries, or learning to pause before reacting, can lead to lasting emotional growth.

A Word of Caution on Interpreting EQ Scores

Emotional intelligence scores can offer valuable insights—but they don’t always tell the full story. A low EQ score doesn’t necessarily mean someone lacks empathy or self-awareness. In some cases, it may reflect how emotional information is processed differently.

For example, individuals with Asperger syndrome may score lower in areas like body language interpretation or emotional expression—not because they don’t care, but because social signals aren’t always intuitive. Similarly, people with depression may struggle with motivation, emotional regulation, or connection—not due to a fixed trait, but as a reflection of what they’re experiencing internally.

Even personality traits can influence how EQ shows up. Someone with very strong opinions may come off as blunt or emotionally reactive, while a person who seems detached may actually just prefer animals or avoid social situations due to past experiences.

And, in cases where narcissistic traits are present, someone might overestimate their own emotional intelligence—especially in areas like empathy or social awareness—leading to a mismatch between self-perception and actual behavior.

Bottom line? Emotional intelligence is a skill set, not a diagnosis. EQ tests offer useful feedback, but context matters. If you prefer practical jokes over heartfelt conversations, or you find social cues confusing, don’t take a single score as a fixed label—it’s just a snapshot, not a definition.

How to Use Your EQ Test Scores

By correctly interpreting your EI test results, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of your emotional capacity—and how it affects nearly every area of your life. Here’s how to put those insights into action.

Career Development

Employers increasingly value emotional intelligence—even more than IQ—because it fuels productivity, leadership, and collaboration. High EQ employees tend to perform better, communicate more effectively, and manage workplace conflict with ease.

Emotional intelligence has been shown to directly impact job performance, especially in roles that require teamwork, adaptability, and communication.

If your test results show a need for growth in areas like empathy or regulation, addressing them can help you thrive in diverse professional settings.

Try this:

• Practice active listening during meetings or team check-ins
• Role-play difficult conversations to build confidence and reduce reactivity
• Ask a trusted colleague for feedback on your communication or leadership style

Self-Improvement

Personal growth starts with self-awareness—and your EQ test score gives you a clear map of your emotional strengths and blind spots. Once you know where you stand, you can build targeted habits that support long-term growth.

Improving even one key area—like self-regulation or motivation—can boost your overall self-confidence and help you feel more in control of your emotional responses.

Try this:

• Journal your emotional triggers and how you respond
• Choose one subscore to focus on improving over the next 30 days
• Practice naming your emotions in the moment to build self-awareness

Relationship Building

Strong relationships are built on empathy, communication, and trust—all of which are tied to emotional intelligence. If your test reveals challenges with social skills or empathy, that’s a valuable place to focus.

Try this:

• Pause before responding in emotionally charged conversations
• Reflect back what someone’s feeling to show you understand
• Initiate more one-on-one time with friends or loved ones to strengthen bonds

Decision-Making

EQ influences your ability to make sound decisions—especially under stress. When you’re emotionally aware and in control, you’re less likely to be swayed by impulse or pressure.

Try this:

• Use the “pause and name” technique before reacting
• Weigh emotional and rational factors separately before big choices
• Practice mindfulness or breathwork to stay grounded during high-stakes moments

Ready for Real Insight into Your Emotional Intelligence?

A general EQ score gives you the big picture—but real change happens when you understand the details. That’s why the BrainManager EQ test breaks your results down across all five core areas: self-awareness, self-regulation, motivation, empathy, and social skills.

Each subscore tells its own story:

• Low in self-awareness? You might struggle to recognize your emotions in real-time—or see how they’re influencing your reactions.
• Trouble with self-regulation? You may react impulsively, shut down under pressure, or have a hard time staying emotionally balanced.
• Empathy a weakness? You could miss emotional cues, misread people’s needs, or struggle to connect on a deeper level.
• High in motivation? You’re probably self-driven, resilient, and able to keep moving even when things get tough.
• Strong social skills? That’s often a sign of emotional agility, great communication, and the ability to build lasting connections.

With 50 questions and targeted scoring, our test helps you identify what’s working—and where to focus next. It’s not just a score. It’s a roadmap.

👉 Take the BrainManager EQ Test and get started today.

What Will You Do With Your EQ Score?

Your EQ score isn’t just a number—it’s a starting point. It reflects where you are today, but not where you have to stay.

Emotional intelligence can grow with practice, reflection, and real-life application. Whether you’re looking to improve relationships, lead more effectively, or just feel more in control of your emotions, the key is using what you’ve learned.

The more aware you become of your emotional strengths and blind spots, the more empowered you are to change how you show up—in your work, your relationships, and your everyday life. 

Ready to take the next step? Here’s how to start building your emotional intelligence today.