The first thing most people do after getting their rice purity score is ask their friends what they got. The second thing they do is Google the average. If you're here, you want to know whether your score is high, low, or completely normal — and more importantly, whether it's normal for your age. This article gives you the most detailed breakdown available: average rice purity scores by age group, what the global average actually is, why scores drop the way they do, and how to properly compare your result.
What is the average rice purity score?
The global average rice purity score is approximately 68 out of 100, based on aggregated self-reported data from millions of test-takers across multiple platforms. This means the typical person who takes the test has ticked around 32 of the 100 boxes. That said, 68 is a blended average across all ages and demographics. It becomes a much more useful number when broken down by age — because a score of 68 means something completely different depending on whether you're 15 or 35.Average rice purity score by age group
The table below shows average scores across key age groups, along with typical ranges that capture most test-takers at each stage of life. | Age group | Average score | Typical range | Where most people land | |---|---|---|---| | Under 14 | 93 | 88–100 | Very high — limited life experience | | 14–16 | 88 | 80–96 | High — early social experiences only | | 16–18 | 78 | 68–90 | Above average — first relationships, some substances | | 18–20 | 70 | 58–82 | Average — first year of college/university | | 20–22 | 63 | 50–76 | Average — college years accumulate fast | | 22–25 | 55 | 42–68 | Below average — post-university experiences | | 25–30 | 48 | 35–62 | Low average — broader adult life | | 30–40 | 40 | 28–54 | Lower — two or more decades of experiences | | 40+ | 35 | 22–50 | Lowest — expected after a full adult life | Data aggregated from self-reported sources including arealme.com (124,952 test-takers), Reddit surveys, Quora responses and cross-platform analytics. Figures represent approximate averages and will vary by cultural background, geography and lifestyle.The steepest drop: ages 16 to 22
The most dramatic decline in rice purity scores happens between the ages of 16 and 22 — the late school and early university years. On average, people lose 15 to 20 points during this window alone. This isn't surprising. These are the years of first relationships, first experiences with alcohol, first time living away from home, and the social pressure that comes with starting university or college. The test was originally created at Rice University specifically to capture this period of life. Most people who score in the 60s or low 70s got there during this exact window — which is also why 68 is the global average. It reflects the post-university adult more than any other demographic.Do scores differ between men and women?
Yes, modestly. Based on available data, women tend to score slightly higher than men across most age groups — typically by around 3 to 6 points. The gap is widest in the 25–34 age group, where women average around 5 points higher than men of the same age. This likely reflects differences in social behaviour, risk-taking patterns, and the types of experiences each gender is more likely to self-report honestly. The gap narrows significantly in older age groups.How scores differ by country
Geography plays a bigger role than most people expect. Based on data from international test-takers, average scores vary noticeably by country:- USA — approximately 67–69 (close to global average)
- UK — approximately 68–71 (slightly above global average)
- Australia — approximately 65–68
- Canada — approximately 68–70
- Germany / Netherlands — approximately 70–74 (higher than average)
- Philippines / Southeast Asia — approximately 78–85 (significantly higher)
Why does your score only go down?
This is one of the most common questions people ask. Once you've had an experience, you can't un-have it — so your rice purity score can only ever decrease over time, never increase. This is why the oldest age groups consistently have the lowest scores. It has nothing to do with making "worse" choices as you get older. It simply reflects the natural accumulation of life over decades. A 45-year-old with a score of 35 almost certainly had a score of 75 or higher at 16. Think of it less like a rating and more like a timer — it only goes one way.How to actually use the averages
Here's the most honest advice on using this data: compare your score to your own age group, not the global average. If you're 17 and scored 72 — you're below the average for your age (78), but only slightly, and well within the typical range. Nothing unusual. If you're 24 and scored 72 — you're actually above the average for your age group (55), meaning you have less experience than most people your age. The same number tells two completely different stories depending on context. Always look at the row in the table that matches your age before drawing any conclusions.One more thing worth saying
Averages are useful for context. They're not useful as targets. The rice purity test was never designed to have a "correct" score. It was designed as an icebreaker — a way to laugh, share stories, and connect with people. Using the average as a goal (in either direction — trying to score higher or lower than average) misses the point entirely. Your score is yours. It reflects your specific life, your choices, your circumstances. The averages in this article exist to give you perspective, not a benchmark to chase.Where does your score sit?
If you haven't taken the test yet and want to find out your score, take the Rice Purity Test here → — 100 questions, instant results, completely anonymous. Already know your score? Read our guide to what each rice purity score range actually means → for a full breakdown by score band.Ready to find out your score?
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