Procrastination Test: the Pure Procrastination Scale, a 12-question measure
The Steel Procrastination Test, more formally known as the Pure Procrastination Scale (PPS), is a 12 questionnaire test designed to measure procrastination.
It measures how likely you are to put off tasks, decisions, or deadlines, with higher scores reflecting a stronger tendency to procrastinate.
Free to try · Responses are private & encrypted
Related tools
What does the Procrastination Test Assessment cover?
The Pure Procrastination Scale covers 12 statements about delaying decisions, putting off tasks, missing deadlines and dragging your feet, rated by how true each is for you, producing a score that shows how strong your tendency to procrastinate is.
Who is this Procrastination Test Assessment for?
Helpful if you:
⏳ Keep saying you will do it tomorrow
😩 Feel stressed by the things you have not started
📝 Have been asked by your therapist to complete this
For therapists:
Assign the Pure Procrastination Scale as a baseline when procrastination is part of the presenting problem, then repeat it to track change alongside behavioural work. Results are stored securely for review before your next session. Fully HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Dr Harriet Mellotte
Clinical Psychologist & CBT Therapist, BABCP
“Offload is a fantastic resource for both clients and therapists. The world of CBT has been lacking an app which enables the sharing of CBT worksheets and homework tasks between clients and therapists, but Offload completely does this, making the service we offer more professional and the benefits to clients greater.”
Frequently asked questions
What is the Pure Procrastination Scale?
The Pure Procrastination Scale is a 12-question measure developed by procrastination researcher Piers Steel. It focuses on the core of procrastination, delaying decisions and tasks despite knowing you should act, rather than on related traits. You rate how true each statement is of you, giving a score from 0 to 48.
Is procrastination just laziness?
No. Research consistently shows procrastination is about managing emotion, not effort. We put off tasks that feel boring, overwhelming, unclear or threatening because avoiding them brings short-term relief. That relief teaches the brain to avoid again. Understanding this is the first step, and Offload's What is Procrastination course explains it in detail.
What does a high score mean?
A score of 36 or more indicates a strong tendency to procrastinate that is probably costing you stress, rushed work or missed opportunities. It is not a diagnosis, but chronic procrastination is linked to anxiety, low mood and ADHD, so it can be worth exploring what sits underneath it with a therapist.
Can professionals assign this test to their clients?
Yes. Therapists on Offload can assign the Pure Procrastination Scale as a baseline when procrastination is part of the presenting problem, then repeat it to track change alongside behavioural work. Results are stored securely and available to review before the next session. Fully HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Are you a therapist?
Assign this therapy tool and 200+ other interactive tools directly to your clients. Build personalised care plans, customise tools, and review client responses before sessions. HIPAA and GDPR compliant.
Explore Offload for therapistsReferences
Steel, P. (2010). Arousal, avoidant and decisional procrastinators: Do they exist? Personality and Individual Differences, 48(8), 926–934.
