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Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R)

Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R) Test

Learn how often you compare your looks to others and how it may shape your self-image in about 3 minutes. Get a quick, reliable snapshot that can flag confidence stressors and guide next steps.

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Questions: 113 minutes

Hi! My name is Freudly, i am an AI therapist, I will give you an interpretation of the test after you complete it.

08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

27,826 views

2,733 completions

2,179 likes

Verified by Daniel Hall

Psychologist with 25 years of experience

Scale Explorer

How the Scales are Structured

example score

29/44

Physical Appearance Comparison (PAC)

Measures how frequently a person compares their physical appearance to others in everyday situations.

Low comparison

Moderate comparison

High comparison

0 – 14: Low comparison | 15 – 29: Moderate comparison | 30 – 44: High comparison

A score of 29 falls in the Moderate comparison range, suggesting a noticeable tendency to evaluate appearance by comparing with others in some contexts.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Social media self-checkers

41%OF USERS

People who often compare their looks to others online and want to understand how this habit affects their mood and confidence.

Clients in body image work

34%OF USERS

People already reflecting on body image or self-esteem issues who want a quick snapshot of how strongly appearance comparisons drive their feelings.

Dating and social worriers

25%OF USERS

People who feel anxious about how they look in dates, parties, or group settings and want to see how often they judge themselves against others.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

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Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.

Physical Appearance Comparison Scale (PACS)

Average

17.9

Normal range

10.6 — 25.2

min.

max.

Majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this questionnaire assess?

It measures how often physical appearance is compared with other people’s appearance across common situations. It also indicates how strongly comparison is used as a basis for self-evaluation.

How long does it take to complete and how many items are included?

Completion usually takes about 3 minutes. It includes 11 items.

What instructions should be followed when answering?

Answer each item based on typical behavior rather than a single recent event. Select the response that best reflects usual frequency in the described situation.

Is it normal to endorse some comparison behaviors?

Yes, occasional comparison is common and does not by itself indicate a problem. Higher scores may reflect a stronger tendency to compare, which can be relevant when considering body image concerns.

How are results used in practice?

Results help identify situations that trigger appearance-based comparison and related self-evaluative patterns. They can guide further assessment and planning of interventions focused on body image and self-esteem.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R) Test - Symptoms and Signs

body image appearance evaluation social comparisons

This self-report measure assesses the frequency with which an individual compares their physical appearance to that of others in everyday contexts. The Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R) is typically used to characterize appearance-focused social comparison tendencies that may be relevant to body image and self-evaluative concerns.

The questionnaire consists of 11 items and takes about 3 minutes to complete. Scores are commonly interpreted as an index of how often appearance comparisons occur, which can inform clinical case formulation and guide discussion of social comparison patterns and related distress.

The Physical Appearance Comparison Scale-Revised (PACS-R) can be incorporated into broader assessment of body image, self-esteem, and mood or anxiety symptoms, particularly when appearance-related triggers are suspected to contribute to maladaptive self-evaluation.

Author: j-kevin-thompson, thomas-f-cash

Literature: Thompson, J. K., Heinberg, L. J., Altabe, M., & Tantleff-Dunn, S. Exacting beauty: Theory, assessment, and treatment of body image disturbance. American Psychological Association. 1999.

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