The 16PF Questionnaire uses "standardized ten" (sten) score scales. Sten scores range from 1-10, with a mean of 5.5 and a standard deviation of 2. Scores that fall farther from the mean (either in the high or the low direction) are considered more extreme. The more extreme a score is toward a given factor pole, the more likely that the descriptors for the scale's pole will apply for that score and that the trait will be apparent in the examinee's behavior.

16PF stens of 4-7 are considered within the "average" range; stens of 1-3 in the "low" range; and stens of 8-10 in the "high" range. A sten of 4 is described as "low average" and a sten of 7 is "high average".

In a sten distribution, most people are expected to score in the middle (theoretically, about 68% obtain a score within plus-or-minus one standard deviation from the mean). About 16% score at the low end, and another 16% score at the high end.

Portions of this site were extracted from the 16PF Fifth Edition Administrator's Manual authored by Mary T. Russell, M.S., and Darcie Karol, M.A. Definitions of the Primary Factors and Global Factors were authored by Mary T. Russell, M.S., Heather E.P. Cattell, Ph.D., and IPAT staff.