Let’s be honest: the Rice Purity Test is one of those things that sounds kind of awkward until you actually do it with the right people, and then it becomes one of the most hilarious, surprising, and oddly wholesome nights of your life.
Whether you’re planning a game night, a college orientation activity, or just hanging out with close friends and looking for something more interesting than scrolling through your phone, the Rice Purity Test is a fantastic icebreaker. And when you play it the right way, it’s genuinely a lot of fun.
In this guide, we’re going to walk you through exactly how to take the Rice Purity Test with friends, the rules, creative ideas to spice things up, and ways to make sure everyone has a great time doing it.
What Is the Rice Purity Test, Anyway?
Before we dive into the how, let’s do a quick refresher for anyone new to this.
The Rice Purity Test is a 100-question self-graded survey that originated at Rice University in Houston, Texas. It was originally designed to help incoming college students bond with each other by answering questions about their life experiences, covering everything from relationships and social habits to more adventurous life choices.
You simply check off every experience that applies to you, and at the end, you get a score out of 100. The lower your score, the more “life experiences” you’ve had. The higher your score, the more “pure” or sheltered your life has been (in a fun, no-judgment kind of way)
How to Take the Rice Purity Test With Friends: The Basics
Taking the test alone is fine, but taking it with friends? That’s where the real magic happens. Here’s how to set it up properly.
Step 1: Choose Your Group Wisely
The Rice Purity Test works best with people you’re already comfortable with. This doesn’t mean you can’t play it with acquaintances; it can actually be a great way to break the ice, but make sure your group is on the same page about keeping things relaxed, non-judgmental, and fun.
A group of 4 to 8 people is usually the sweet spot. Too few, and it feels like an interrogation. Too many, and it gets chaotic.
Step 2: Access the Test
The most widely used version is available online. Just search for “Rice Purity Test,t,” and you’ll find the official version easily. You can:
- Each takes it individually on their own phones at the same time
- Go through the questions out loud as a group (one person reads, everyone checks their own list)
- Project it on a screen if you’re in a living room setting
Step 3: Set the Ground Rules Before You Start
This is the most important step that most people ski,p and it makes all the difference.
Step 4: Take the Test
Go through all 100 questions. Take your time. Some questions will make people laugh out loud. Some will cause dramatic gasps. A few might lead to a surprisingly deep conversation. Let it all happen naturally; that’s the beauty of this test.
Step 5: Reveal and React
Once everyone has their score, do a group reveal. You can go one by one, or everyone holds up their score at the same time. Either way, you’re in for some great reactions.
Fun Ways to Play the Rice Purity Test With Friends
Now here’s where things get really interesting. There are so many creative ways to play this test that take it beyond just reading questions and comparing numbers. Here are some of our favourite ideas:
1. The Dare Edition
Before starting, decide on a few lighthearted dares. For every question someone answers “yes” to that surprises the group, they have to do a small dare like singing a line of a song, doing 10 push-ups, or telling an embarrassing story. Keep the dares fun and non-invasive.
2. Guess the Score
Before everyone reveals their actual score, have each person guess their own score and also guess someone else’s score in the group. The person whose guesses are most accurate wins a little prize (bragging rights count!).
3. Question Roulette
After everyone has finished the test, go back through the list and pick 10 random questions. Take turns asking each other whether they checked that box, but here’s the twist: the person being asked can choose to answer honestly, lie, or pass. The group tries to guess whether they’re telling the truth.
4. Team Edition
Split your group into two teams. Each team adds up all their individual scores and divides by the number of people to get a team average. The team with the higher score wins a round of something (dessert, choosing the next movie, etc.).
5. Story Time Mode
For every question that gets a “yes” from at least two people in the group, someone has to share a brief (appropriate and willing) story behind it. This turns the test into a full-on storytelling night,t and you’ll learn things about your friends you never expected.
6. Couples or Best Friends Challenge
If you’re playing with people who know each other really well, couples, best friends, or siblings, try predicting each other’s answers before the test begins. Write down your predictions, and then compare them at the end. It’s a surprisingly revealing exercise in how well you really know someone.
Tips to Make the Night Extra Memorable
A few extra touches can turn a casual Rice Purity Test session into a genuinely unforgettable hangout:
- Set the scene: Snacks, fairy lights, cosy seating. The test is better when everyone’s relaxed and comfortable.
- Make it a part of a game night: Pair it with other icebreaker games before or after. It fits naturally between something like “Never Have I Ever” and “Would You Rather.”
- Keep it pressure-free: Remind everyone at the start that no one has to share anything they’re not comfortable with. Skipping a question is always allowed.
- Save the screenshots for yourself: It’s fine to keep a record of your own score over time; it’s actually kind of fun to retake the test every couple of years and see how things change.
- Laugh at the weird questions: Some questions on the test are genuinely bizarre. Embrace those moments. They’re usually the funniest part.
- Don’t make it competitive: A lower score doesn’t make someone “cooler,” and a higher score doesn’t make someone “boring.” Frame the whole thing as curiosity, not judgment.
When Is the Rice Purity Test a Good Idea?
This test works amazingly well in a variety of social settings. Here are some situations where it tends to really shine:
- College orientation or dorm nights, it’s practically a tradition at this point
- Sleepovers with close friends, especially when you’ve run out of things to watch
- Road trips take the test verbally while someone drives
- Friend reunions are especially interesting to retake with old friends after a few years apart
- Getting to know new people when you want to move past small talk quickly
The key is reading the room. The Rice Purity Test works best when people are genuinely open to having a casual, funny, honest conversation about life. If the vibe isn’t right, don’t force it.
A Note on Being Respectful
This is worth saying clearly: the Rice Purity Test is meant to be a fun, judgment-free experience. Everyone comes from different backgrounds, has had different life experiences, and is at a completely different place in their journey. A score of 97 and a score of 34 are both equally valid.
If anyone in your group makes someone feel embarrassed or judged based on their score, high or low,w it’s worth stepping in and redirecting the energy. The goal is connection and laughter, not comparison or pressure.
Done right, the Rice Purity Test with friends is one of those nights people talk about for years. Done wrong, it can leave people feeling awkward or exposed. You have the power to make it the former.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Rice Purity Test appropriate for all ages?
The test covers a wide range of topics, some of which involve mature themes. It’s generally recommended for adults (18+) or older teenagers in the right context. Younger players should have a parent or trusted adult involved, and some questions can be skipped if they’re not appropriate for the group.
Do I have to answer every question?
Nope! You can always skip a question that feels too personal or uncomfortable. The test is meant to be fun, and your comfort always comes first. If you’re playing in a group, make sure everyone knows upfront that passing on any question is completely acceptable.
How long does it take to complete the Rice Purity Test?
On your own, the test takes about 10 to 15 minutes. In a group setting, especially if you’re sharing stories, laughing, or discussing answers, it can stretch into a 1 to 2-hour activity. That’s honestly the best version of it.
Should I be honest on the Rice Purity Test?
That’s entirely up to you. The test is self-graded, and there’s no verification that it’s more of a reflection tool than a quiz. Being honest with yourself tends to make the experience more meaningful, but you’re never obligated to share your real score or answers with anyone.
Can you retake the Rice Purity Test?
Absolutely. Lots of people retake it every year or two to track how their life experiences have changed. It’s actually a fun tradition, taking a screenshot of your score each time and watching the number slowly shift as life happens.
Conclusion
The Rice Purity Test with friends is one of those rare activities that manages to be funny, revealing, and weirdly heartwarming all at the same time. When you play it in a group that’s relaxed, open, and non-judgmental, it creates a kind of shared honesty that most hangouts never get to.
Whether you go with the classic version, try one of the fun game modes we shared, or just curl up on the couch and go through the questions together, you’re in for a good time. Just remember: it’s not about the score. It’s about the stories, the laughter, and the surprisingly deep 2 am conversations that follow.
So grab your friends, pull up the test, and find out who in your group is secretly the most adventurous. You might be surprised by what you learn about them, and about yourself.