You know that moment at a party when the energy dips, everyone’s scrolling their phones, and you’re thinking okay, we need something to do? That’s exactly when the Rice Purity Test swoops in like a party hero.
If you’ve never heard of it, don’t worry. By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly what it is, how to play it with your friends, and how to make the whole experience genuinely fun, not awkward.
The Rice Purity Test originally started at Rice University as a way for students to measure their “innocence” based on life experiences. It’s a 100-question checklist covering everything from innocent stuff like “Have you ever held hands romantically?” to more… adventurous territory. Each question is a yes or no. You count up the things you haven’t done, and that’s your purity score. The higher the score, the more “pure” you are supposedly.
But here’s the thing: when you play this as a party game with a group of friends, it transforms into something totally different. It becomes a hilarious, surprising, and surprisingly bonding experience. People reveal things about themselves you never expected. You laugh. You gasp. You say “wait, WHAT?” more times than you can count.
Ready to host your own Rice Purity Test night? Let’s break it down step by step.
What Exactly Is the Rice Purity Test?
Before we get into the how-to, let’s make sure everyone’s on the same page.
The Rice Purity Test is a self-graded survey with 100 questions. Created by students at Rice University in Houston, Texas, it was meant to help incoming freshmen connect and compare experiences in a lighthearted way. Over the decades, it’s spread far beyond college campuses and become a popular internet and party activity.
Your final score falls somewhere between 0 and 100:
- 100 – 90: You’re basically a saint. Very innocent.
- 89 – 70: Pretty wholesome, but you’ve lived a little.
- 69 – 50: You’re in the middle ground, adventurous but balanced.
- 49 – 30: You’ve definitely got some stories to tell.
- 29 – 0: Okay, we’re not judging, but wow.
The beauty of the test is that it’s not about judging anyone. It’s about discovering the wild, funny, and unexpected sides of the people you think you already know.
Why the Rice Purity Test Works So Well as a Party Game
Here’s what makes this game genuinely great for groups:
It sparks real conversations. The questions are conversation starters on their own. Someone will answer yes to something totally unexpected, and suddenly the whole room wants to hear the story behind it.
No preparation needed. You don’t need game boards, cards, timers, or anything fancy. Just phones or a printed sheet and a group of people willing to be a little honest.
Everyone’s on equal footing. Nobody “wins” or “loses” in a way that feels bad. High scorers get to feel innocent and sweet. Low scorers get to feel like legends. It’s all in good fun.
It’s surprisingly bonding. When someone shares something vulnerable or funny, it brings the group closer together. You’ll leave the night knowing your friends better than you did before.
What You’ll Need to Play
Getting set up is super simple. Here’s your checklist:
- A group of friends (works best with 4–10 people, but honestly, any size works)
- Smartphones or a laptop/tablet to access the test online (just search “Rice Purity Test”)
- Optional: printed copies of the 100 questions if you want to go old school
- A comfortable, relaxed space, living room, backyard, dorm common area, wherever
- Snacks and drinks (non-negotiable, honestly)
- An open mind and a good sense of humor
That’s genuinely it. No app, no purchase, nothing complicated.
Step-by-Step Guide to Playing the Rice Purity Test With a Group
Step 1: Set the Vibe First
Before you even pull out your phones, set the tone. The Rice Purity Test works best when people feel safe and relaxed, not like they’re about to be interrogated.
Let everyone know: this is judgment-free. Nobody has to answer anything they don’t want to. The goal is laughing together, not putting anyone on the spot.
If your group has some quieter personalities or people who might feel uncomfortable, remind them that they can always skip a question or just say, “I’ll keep that one private.”
Step 2: Choose Your Format
There are two main ways to play:
Solo scoring, group sharing: Everyone takes the test independently on their own phone or a printed copy. You go through all 100 questions privately and mark your answers. At the end, everyone reveals their total score. Then you can discuss why Jake’s score is 23. What happened there, Jake?
Read-aloud group version: One person reads each question out loud. Everyone raises their hand (or holds up a card) to indicate if it applies to them. This version is more interactive, more chaotic, and honestly, way more fun. You’ll have real-time reactions.
For first-timers, the read-aloud version tends to get more laughs and conversation going.
Step 3: Go Through the Questions
If you’re doing the read-aloud version, take turns being the “reader,” maybe switch every 10 questions so one person isn’t stuck doing it the whole time.
Read each question clearly. Pause and let people react. Don’t rush through it. Some of the funniest moments happen in that little pause after a question when someone goes very quiet, and everyone slowly turns to look at them.
Pro tip: Keep things moving. Don’t get so caught up in one question that you spend 20 minutes on it. Save the deep storytelling for the end or make it a separate part of the game.
Step 4: Tally Up the Scores
At the end of the 100 questions, everyone counts up their final score. Remember, the score is how many things you haven’t done, so check the boxes that apply and subtract from 100.
Write scores down or just announce them. This is usually where things get really fun because you get the big reveals.
Step 5: The Storytelling Round (Optional but Highly Recommended)
This is where the real magic happens. After scores are revealed, you can do a “storytelling round” where people voluntarily share the story behind one surprising answer.
You can do this in a few ways:
- The person with the lowest score picks one question and tells the story
- Everyone shares their most surprising “yes” answer
- You vote on which answered question the group most wants to hear about
This part of the night often ends up being the most memorable. People share things that are hilarious, shocking, or actually kind of sweet, and it always brings the group closer.
Step 6: Wrap It Up With a Toast
End the game on a high note. Whether it’s a toast with your drinks, a group photo, or just a moment to appreciate each other, give the night a proper send-off.
You could even give out silly awards:
- Most Pure: Highest score
- Most Surprising: The person who shocked everyone
- Best Story: The funniest or most memorable tale of the night
Practical Tips to Make Your Rice Purity Test Party Awesome
Here are some real-world tips from people who’ve hosted this game and learned from experience:
Keep it light, always. The moment someone seems genuinely uncomfortable, move on. No question is worth making a friend feel bad.
Have a “pass” rule from the start. Anyone can pass on any question, no explanation needed. Just “pass,” and you move on. This makes people feel safer being honest in the questions they do answer.
Don’t let one person dominate. Sometimes someone in the group will want to turn every answer into a 10-minute story. Keep things flowing; you can always have deeper conversations after the game.
Mix up your group if possible. Playing with a mix of close friends and people you’re just getting to know makes it extra interesting. You’ll be surprised by what you learn about people you thought you knew well.
Play it more than once over time. Scores change! Playing this with the same group a year or two later and comparing scores can be a really funny way to see how everyone’s evolved.
Don’t take the score too seriously. A low score doesn’t make someone a bad person. A high score doesn’t make someone boring. It’s just a fun reflection of different life experiences, and every kind of score is equally valid.
Variations to Try if You Want to Mix It Up
If you’ve played the classic version and want to try something new, here are some fun variations:
The Couples Version: Play with just two people in a relationship and compare your scores. Great for couples who want to learn more about each other in a fun, low-pressure way.
The Theme Version: Only read questions from specific categories like travel, school, or relationship experiences to keep things focused.
The Challenge Version: Anyone who answers yes to a question that surprises the group has to do a (tame, pre-agreed) dare or drink a sip of their beverage.
The Prediction Version: Before revealing scores, everyone guesses each other’s score. Whoever guesses closest wins a small prize.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rice Purity Test appropriate for all ages?
The classic Rice Purity Test includes some questions about adult topics, so it’s best suited for college-age players and above (18+). If you’re playing with a younger group, look for modified or teen-friendly versions of the test online that skip those categories.
Do you have to answer every single question?
Absolutely not. You can skip any question you’re not comfortable with. The “pass” rule should always be in place. The game is about fun, not forced disclosure.
What’s a “good” score on the Rice Purity Test?
No good or bad scores, honestly, the best part of this game. Every score just reflects your unique life experiences. Don’t compare yourself to others as a measure of your worth. It’s a game, not a report card.
Can you play the Rice Purity Test online with friends virtually?
Yes! You can all access the test individually on your own devices during a video call. Share your screens, read questions together, and react in real time. It works surprisingly well as a virtual hangout activity.
How long does it take to play?
On your own, the test takes about 10–15 minutes. As a group activity with storytelling and reactions, plan for about an hour, though the conversation it sparks can go much longer if your group gets into it.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the Rice Purity Test party game is one of those rare activities that manages to be funny, surprising, and genuinely connecting all at the same time. You’ll find out things about your friends you never knew. You’ll share stories you haven’t thought about in years. And you’ll probably laugh harder than you have in a while.
It costs nothing. It needs no setup. And it brings people together in this surprisingly real, honest way that a lot of fancier games just can’t match.
So next time you’re looking for something to do with your people, whether it’s a college dorm hangout, a birthday party, a road trip, or just a regular Friday night, pull up the Rice Purity Test, set some ground rules, and let the chaos begin.
Just maybe warn people ahead of time: things might get a little surprising.