---
title: Ranking score
description: Understanding how the ranking score (weighted average) is calculated
---

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# Ranking score

## Understanding how the ranking score (weighted average) is calculated

The ranking score (*weighted average across all respondents)* measures how options rank across all participants by converting ranks into points, then averaging them across everyone who answered.

Each rank is assigned a score based on the maximum number of options that can be selected. By default, this is the same as the total number of options of the question but can be customized by setting a *max selections* validation.

### How it works

Each rank gets a score based on the **maximum number of selections (Max Selections)** allowed. If no limit is set, the system uses the **total number of options** by default.

**Formula:**

**Rank Score = Max Selections – Selected Rank + 1**

Unranked options receive a score of **0**.

#### Example

- Total options: 10
- Max Selections: 5 (rank top 5)
- Selected Rank: 2

**Rank Score = 5 – 2 + 1 = 4**

This rank score is then averaged across all respondents to calculate the final **rank** and **score** for each option.

### Why it works

- **Balances intensity and reach:** Rewards both high placements and broad support.
- **Consistent:** Based on *max selections* and respondent count.
- **Easy to explain:** Higher ranks = more points; unranked = 0; average over everyone.

 

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