Slider questions let respondents answer by dragging a handle along a continuous scale, from one label to another. Instead of picking a step on a numbered scale, they choose the point that feels right to them. Underneath, that position is recorded as a precise number on your set scale, so you still get quantitative data you can analyse, segment and export in the usual way.
When to use a slider question
Rating scales and NPS ask respondents to choose from a fixed set of steps. That works well for many questions, but it can feel rigid when you're trying to capture something more continuous, such as how strongly someone feels about a concept, a brand, or a statement.
Use a slider question when:
You want to capture felt intensity or degree of agreement, rather than a discrete choice
A rating scale feels too rigid for what you're asking
You're comparing opposing statements or attitudes, such as "boring" versus "exciting"
Adding a slider question
Add a new question and choose the Slider question type.
Enter a label for each end of the scale, for example "Not at all interested" and "Extremely interested". Both labels are required, you can't leave one blank.
Labels can include emoji.
Set the minimum, maximum and step size for the scale. By default this is 1 to 100 in steps of 1, so respondents can land the slider on 1, 2, 3, and so on. You can change it to fit your question, for example -5 to +5, or 1 to 10.
The maximum must be greater than the minimum, and the difference between them must be divisible by the step size, for example a minimum of 1, maximum of 5 and step of 2 works, because 5 minus 1 divides evenly by 2.
Choose whether respondents can see their current value as they move the handle, using the show values toggle.
Save and preview your question.
How respondents answer
Respondents see a track running between your two end labels, with a handle they can move. The handle starts at the midpoint position.
Respondents drag the handle, to the position that reflects their answer
They must touch the slider before they can continue. Attest blocks the respondent from moving to the next question until they've interacted with it, so every response is a genuine one rather than a default
If you've turned on show value, respondents see their current value update as they move the handle. If it's off, they only see the position on the track, guided by your end labels
Turn show value on when you want a precise rating, for example if small differences in score matter to your research.
Leave it off when you'd rather respondents rate by feel. Without a number to anchor to, they're less likely to be drawn towards a specific figure, and freer to give an instinctive answer.
Viewing results
View the data in Column and Bar charts
Split, segment or filter your results to highlight any significant differences
Create Crosstabs to view how different segments responded
Add the charts and crosstabs to boards and use Compass to help analyse the data
Exporting slider data
Each respondent's individual score is included in exports
Supported in Excel and CSV exports
Supported in PowerPoint board exports
Slider questions and Compass
You can ask Compass about your slider questions, and Compass can analyse and summarise slider results in the same way as other question types.
Limitations
Only one slider is supported per screen.
Slider questions use a single handle. Two-handle range sliders, where a respondent selects a minimum and maximum, are not currently supported
Slider questions cannot currently be used as qualifying or screening questions, and can't trigger custom routing to other questions based on the answer
Midpoint labels, custom handles (such as emoji handles), and image or icons on labels are not currently supported
FAQs
Can I change the scale range from 1–100?
Can I change the scale range from 1–100?
Yes. When you set up the question, you can set your own minimum, maximum and step size. It defaults to 1–100 in steps of 1 if you don't change it.
Does the respondent see the underlying number as they drag the handle?
Does the respondent see the underlying number as they drag the handle?
That's up to you. A toggle in the question settings lets you choose whether respondents see their current value update as they move the handle, or just the position on the track.
Is there a limit on how long my end labels can be?
Is there a limit on how long my end labels can be?
Yes, 30 characters. Keep labels short and clear so they display well on all screen sizes, including mobile.
Can I use a slider question to screen or qualify respondents?
Can I use a slider question to screen or qualify respondents?
Not currently supported.