Use star ratings to:
- Collect user feedback on experiences
- Allow users to rate content, features, or services on a five-point scale
- Provide a familiar, intuitive method for expressing satisfaction levels
- Gather structured feedback that can be easily aggregated and analysed
Do not use star ratings:
- When more granular ratings are needed, consider a numerical scale or slider instead
- For binary feedback — use a switch, checkbox, or simple buttons instead
- When the five-star metaphor doesn't fit the context, choose a more appropriate rating mechanism
- For complex, multi-dimensional feedback — use multiple rating inputs or detailed form fields
Example of a star rating being used to ask for user feedback
Star ratings vs sliders vs radio buttons
|
Use a star rating for |
Use the slider for |
Use radio buttons for |
|---|---|---|
|
Five-point satisfaction or quality ratings |
Continuous or fine-grained numeric input |
Multiple discrete options with labels |
|
Familiar rating metaphor |
Values where relative position matters |
Verbal scales (e.g., "Poor", "Fair", "Good") |
|
Quick emotional feedback |
Adjustable values (volume, price range) |
When all options need explicit labels |
Structure
Star ratings contain:
- Legend — Clear question or prompt positioned above the stars
- Helper text (optional) — Additional guidance below the stars
- Error message (optional) — Validation feedback if required, but not completed
- Star inputs — Five interactive stars displayed inline
- Value label (optional) — Text below the stars indicating the selected rating
Legend
- Use a legend to group the fieldset correctly
- Use sentence case to ask the question about the rating
Stars
- Always display five stars
- Stars can be empty (unselected) or full (selected)
- No half values — only whole number increments (1, 2, 3, 4, 5)
- Stars are displayed inline in a single row
Value Label
- Use sentence case
- Should have consistent labels
- Very Poor (shortened to V.Poor)
- Poor
- Fair
- Good
- Great
- Position below the star inputs like other form elements