Calculator Input
Example Data Table
| Entry | Label | Mood Score | Change From Previous |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Day 1 | 3 | — |
| 2 | Day 2 | 4 | 1 |
| 3 | Day 3 | 6 | 2 |
| 4 | Day 4 | 5 | -1 |
| 5 | Day 5 | 7 | 2 |
| 6 | Day 6 | 4 | -3 |
| 7 | Day 7 | 3 | -1 |
Formula Used
Mean Score = sum of all mood values ÷ number of entries.
Standard Deviation measures how widely scores spread around the mean.
MASD = average of absolute changes between consecutive entries.
RMSSD = square root of the average squared consecutive changes.
Observed Range = highest score − lowest score.
Mood Variability Index = ((0.40 × normalized MASD) + (0.35 × normalized SD) + (0.25 × normalized range)) × 100.
Normalized components divide each variability measure by the total scale range. The final index is capped to a practical 0 to 100 range.
How To Use This Calculator
- Enter a profile label and the interval you used.
- Set the minimum and maximum score on your mood scale.
- Paste mood values separated by commas, spaces, or line breaks.
- Add optional labels for each entry in the same order.
- Click Calculate Index to generate the result and graph.
- Review MVI, stability score, spread, and consecutive change metrics.
- Export the current results as CSV or PDF when needed.
- Use the same scale direction every time for valid comparisons.
What This Calculator Helps You Review
Mood ratings often change in two important ways. First, they can spread widely across a week or month. Second, they can jump sharply from one entry to the next. A useful mood variability review should examine both patterns together instead of relying on one simple average.
This calculator combines dispersion, sequential change, and observed range into one summary measure. That gives you a clearer view of emotional stability across repeated entries. Higher values suggest greater fluctuation. Lower values suggest steadier ratings across the selected period.
The graph helps you inspect timing. The table helps you inspect direction and step size. The index helps you compare one period against another period when you use the same rating scale. This can support reflection, journaling, supervision, research notes, or structured self-tracking.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What does the mood variability index measure?
It summarizes how much mood ratings fluctuate across time. It combines overall spread, jump size between consecutive entries, and observed range into one practical score.
2. Is this tool a diagnosis?
No. It is a tracking and reflection tool. It cannot diagnose any mental health condition or replace a qualified clinician’s assessment.
3. How many entries should I use?
Use at least three values. More entries usually give a more stable estimate. A week or month of consistent entries is often more informative.
4. Which mood scale works best?
Any numeric scale can work if you stay consistent. Common choices include 1 to 5, 1 to 10, or -5 to +5.
5. Why include MASD and standard deviation together?
Standard deviation measures spread around the average. MASD measures entry-to-entry change. Together they show both overall instability and immediate swings.
6. What if higher scores mean worse mood?
The variability result still works. Just keep the same direction for all entries. Trend wording should then be interpreted using your chosen scale meaning.
7. Can I compare two different periods?
Yes, but use the same scale, same entry spacing, and similar tracking rules. That keeps the comparison more meaningful and less distorted.
8. When should I seek urgent support?
If you feel at risk of harming yourself or someone else, seek immediate help from local emergency services or a crisis resource right away.