Loneliness Risk Calculator

Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham. Inspired by the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell, 1996). Screening tool only. Last verified 14 June 2026.

Loneliness is the subjective feeling of being disconnected from others or lacking the social relationships you desire. The U.S. Surgeon General's 2023 Advisory identified loneliness and social isolation as a major public health crisis affecting approximately half of all American adults. The UCLA Loneliness Scale, the most widely used research instrument for measuring loneliness, measures three dimensions: relational connectedness (quality of close relationships), collective connectedness (belonging to a group or community), and intimate connectedness (emotional closeness to others). Rate each item using the frequency scale provided. This is a screening tool only.

Screening tool only. Not a clinical assessment. If experiencing significant distress, contact SAMHSA's National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357.

Rate each item: 1 = Never, 2 = Rarely, 3 = Sometimes, 4 = Often

How often do you feel that you lack companionship?

How often do you feel left out?

How often do you feel isolated from others?

How often do you feel that there are people you can talk to? This item is reverse scored: higher frequency of feeling connected = lower loneliness.

How often do you feel that you are no longer close to anyone?

How often do you feel that your interests and ideas are shared by those around you? This item is reverse scored: feeling connected reduces loneliness score.

Loneliness Score (0-100)

0.00

Risk Level

Low

Loneliness score formula

Negative items (L1, L2, L3, L5): score as entered (1-4, higher = more lonely)
Positive items (L4, L6): reverse scored = (5 - raw score)
Raw Score = L1 + L2 + L3 + reverse(L4) + L5 + reverse(L6)
Minimum raw = 6, Maximum raw = 24
Loneliness Score = (Raw Score - 6) / 18 * 100

The scoring methodology mirrors the UCLA Loneliness Scale (Russell, 1996), where positive connection items are reverse scored so that all items contribute to loneliness in the same direction. The 0-100 normalization maps 6 (no loneliness) to 0 and 24 (maximum loneliness) to 100.

Understanding your loneliness score

0-30 (Low): Loneliness is minimal. Maintain current relationships and community involvement.
31-55 (Moderate): Some loneliness present. Consider actively investing in existing relationships and expanding social participation.
56-75 (High): Significant loneliness. Seek out structured social activities and consider speaking with a counselor.
76-100 (Very High): Severe loneliness. Professional support is strongly recommended. Contact SAMHSA (1-800-662-4357) for referrals.

Loneliness calculator: frequently asked questions

What is the UCLA Loneliness Scale?

The UCLA Loneliness Scale, developed by Daniel Russell at UCLA and published in 1978 (with revisions in 1980 and 1996), is the most widely used validated self-report measure of loneliness in adults. The full version contains 20 items measuring subjective feelings of loneliness and social isolation. It has been validated across cultures, age groups and clinical populations.

What is the difference between loneliness and being alone?

Loneliness is a subjective experience of feeling disconnected or lacking desired social connection. Being alone (solitude) is an objective state of social isolation. You can feel lonely in a crowd and not feel lonely when spending time alone. Research consistently shows that subjective loneliness, not objective isolation, is the primary predictor of health outcomes.

How widespread is loneliness in the US?

The U.S. Surgeon General's 2023 Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection found that approximately half of US adults reported measurable levels of loneliness even before the COVID-19 pandemic. Loneliness rates were particularly elevated among young adults aged 18-24 and older adults aged 65+. The CDC identifies loneliness as a significant public health concern.

What are the health consequences of loneliness?

Research cited in the U.S. Surgeon General's 2023 Advisory and NIH studies by Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad has found that loneliness is associated with a 29% increased risk of heart disease, a 32% increased risk of stroke, a 50% increased risk of dementia in older adults, and a mortality risk comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes per day.

What can I do if I am experiencing loneliness?

Research-supported strategies include: initiating contact with at least one person daily, joining a community group or club aligned with your interests, volunteering (which provides structured social contact and meaning), limiting passive social media use in favor of direct communication, and consulting a mental health professional. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) can connect you to local support services.

Official sources

Russell, D. W. (1996). UCLA Loneliness Scale (Version 3): Reliability, validity, and factor structure. Journal of Personality Assessment. Via: PubMed 8576833.
U.S. Surgeon General Advisory (2023): Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation.
NIH National Institute on Aging: Loneliness and Social Isolation.

Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.