Rice Purity Test vs. Other Purity Tests: Which One Should You Take?

Let’s be honest, the first time someone sends you a “purity test,” you’re either confused, curious, or mildly panicking. Maybe your college roommate brought it up, or you stumbled across it on TikTok. Either way, you’re now wondering: What even is this thing? And should I actually take it?

Purity tests have been floating around since the 1930s, but they’ve had a serious glow-up in the internet age. Today, there are dozens of versions out there, each one claiming to measure something slightly different about your life experiences. The most famous one? The Rice Purity Test.

But here’s the thing: the Rice Purity Test isn’t the only option. There are alternatives, spinoffs, and completely different versions that serve different purposes, audiences, and vibes.

In this post, we’re breaking it all down. We’ll compare the Rice Purity Test to other popular purity tests, help you understand what each one actually measures, and most importantly, help you figure out which one is worth your time.

Let’s dive in.

What Is the Rice Purity Test, Anyway?

Before we start comparing, let’s get on the same page about what the Rice Purity Test actually is.

The Rice Purity Test is a 100-question self-graded survey that was created by Rice University in Houston, Texas. It was designed as a way for incoming students to bond with each other and get a lighthearted sense of how “experienced” they were in areas like:

• Romantic relationships
• Alcohol and substance use
• Academic behavior
• Social experiences
• Legal situations

You go through the list, check off everything that applies to you, and get a score out of 100. The higher your score, the more “pure” you are (meaning fewer experiences checked off). A score close to 100 means you’re relatively inexperienced in those areas, while a lower score suggests you’ve had more life experiences or at least more adventurous ones.

The test isn’t meant to judge you. It’s meant to be a fun conversation starter, especially among college students getting to know each other. Over the years, it became wildly popular online and now gets millions of visits every year.

Why Do People Take Purity Tests?

Here’s something worth understanding before we compare different tests: why are people even taking these things?

Honestly, the reasons are pretty human:

• Curiosity. People want to see how their experiences stack up.
• Social bonding. Taking a test with friends creates fun, low-pressure conversations.
• Self-reflection. Sometimes it’s interesting to look back at your life experiences in a structured way.
• Entertainment. Let’s be real, some of these questions are just genuinely funny.

The important thing to remember is that purity tests are not scientific. They don’t measure your worth, your intelligence, or your character. They’re a social activity dressed up as a quiz, and that’s totally fine as long as you approach them that way.

The Rice Purity Test vs. Other Popular Purity Tests

Now for the real comparison. Let’s look at how the Rice Purity Test stacks up against some other well-known options.

1. Rice Purity Test vs. The Innocence Test

The Innocence Test is probably the closest competitor to the Rice Purity Test. It covers similar ground, social experiences, relationships, and risky behaviors, but it tends to be shorter (usually around 50 questions) and uses slightly different language.

Key Differences:

• The Rice Purity Test has 100 questions; the Innocence Test usually has fewer.
• The Rice Purity Test has a longer history and more cultural recognition.
• The Innocence Test sometimes feels more modern and casual in its wording.

Which one should you take? If you want the “classic” experience and enjoy the depth of 100 questions, go with the Rice Purity Test. If you want something quicker and still meaningful, the Innocence Test is a solid pick.

2. Rice Purity Test vs. The 100 Questions Purity Test

Some versions online repackage similar questions under different names like “The 100 Questions Test” or “The Purity Score Test.” These are often just reworded versions of the original Rice Purity Test with a few questions swapped out.

Key Differences:

• These versions may have updated questions that feel more relevant to today’s social media age.
• Some include questions about online behavior, social media use, or newer social norms.
• The scoring and format are nearly identical.

Which one should you take? Stick with the original Rice Purity Test for the most authentic experience. The repackaged versions are fine, but don’t add much that’s genuinely new.

3. Rice Purity Test vs. The Cowboy Purity Test

This one’s a bit of a curveball, literally. The Cowboy Purity Test is a niche, humorous take on the format that focuses on rural life, rodeo culture, country living, and Western-themed experiences.

Questions might include things like whether you’ve ridden a horse, worked on a farm, or attended a county fair. It’s quirky, specific, and honestly pretty funny if you grew up in that world.

Key Differences:

• Completely different topic focus (rural/country life vs. general social experiences).
• More humorous and novelty-driven.
• Much smaller audience and less cultural significance.

Which one should you take? If you’re from a rural background and want a laugh, try it. But it’s more of a novelty than a meaningful self-reflection tool. For genuine comparison with friends, stick to the Rice Purity Test.

4. Rice Purity Test vs. The NSFW Purity Test

Let’s address the elephant in the room. There are adult-oriented purity tests out there, versions with explicit questions that go much further than the original Rice Purity Test. These are sometimes called NSFW (Not Safe For Work) purity tests.

Key Differences:

• These tests are not appropriate for minors.
• They focus almost entirely on adult experiences and are not suitable for casual or social settings.
• They serve a completely different audience and purpose.

Which one should you take? If you’re an adult and taking it privately with full awareness of the content, that’s your call. But for most people, especially younger users, first-year students, or anyone using purity tests as a social icebreaker, the original Rice Purity Test is the way to go. It keeps things fun without crossing uncomfortable lines.

5. Rice Purity Test vs. Relationship-Specific Purity Tests

Some tests narrow their focus entirely to romantic and relationship experiences. These are sometimes called “Love Purity Tests” or “Romance Purity Tests.”

Key Differences:

• These focus only on dating, relationships, heartbreak, and romantic milestones.
• They leave out questions about alcohol, legal situations, or academic behavior.
• They’re great for people who want to reflect specifically on their relationship history.

Which one should you take? If you’re in a reflective mood about your love life, maybe after a breakup, or just out of curiosity, a relationship-focused purity test can be surprisingly insightful. But for a well-rounded, socially shareable experience, the Rice Purity Test covers more ground.

What Makes the Rice Purity Test Stand Out?

After all those comparisons, you might be wondering: why does the Rice Purity Test keep coming out on top?

Here’s why it’s still the gold standard:

• Legacy and credibility. It has roots going back decades at a real university. That gives it a layer of authenticity no random online quiz can replicate.
• Balanced question set. It touches on many areas of life without going too far in any single direction.
• Shared cultural reference. When you tell someone your Rice Purity score, there’s a good chance they already know the context. That shared understanding makes conversations more meaningful.
• Age-appropriate for most users. It’s designed with college students in mind, which means it’s generally appropriate for late teens and adults without being offensive or overly explicit.
• Widely discussed and relatable. You’ll find Reddit threads, TikTok videos, and blog posts all referencing the same test. That communal experience is part of the fun.

Practical Tips for Taking Any Purity Test

Whether you go with the Rice Purity Test or one of its alternatives, here are some tips to get the most out of the experience:

1. Be honest with yourself. Nobody’s grading you. The only person who benefits from your honesty is you. Don’t inflate or deflate your answers based on what you think sounds cool.
2. Don’t take your score too seriously. A low score doesn’t mean you’re a bad person. A high score doesn’t mean you’re boring. It’s just a snapshot of experiences, not a personality evaluation.
3. Use it as a conversation starter, not a judgment tool. The best use of purity tests is to laugh with friends, share stories, and bond. The moment it becomes about judging someone’s score, it stops being fun.
4. Consider your audience. Taking a purity test at a family gathering is very different from taking it with your college friends. Know the room.
5. Pick the right version for your purpose. Want to bond with new classmates? Rice Purity Test. Want a laugh with close friends who grew up on farms? Cowboy Purity Test. Want a quick, casual version? Try the Innocence Test.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Here’s the honest answer: it depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want the classic, widely recognized, and most socially relevant purity test experience, the Rice Purity Test is your best bet. It’s the one most people will recognize, the one with the most cultural context, and the one most likely to spark interesting conversations.

If you want something quicker, the Innocence Test works well. If you’re in a niche mood, the Cowboy Purity Test might give you a laugh. And if you’re specifically reflecting on your romantic life, a relationship-focused test might be more meaningful.

But no matter which one you choose, remember the most important thing: these tests don’t define you. They’re a mirror, not a report card. Your score doesn’t capture your kindness, your ambition, your creativity, or your character. It just reflects a handful of experiences, and life is so much bigger than any checklist.

So go ahead, take the test, share it with a friend, and laugh. That’s really what it’s all about.