Visual Analog Scale (VAS)

A Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is a tool used to measure a person’s perceived experience, such as pain or mood. It typically consists of a straight line, usually 10 centimeters long, with endpoints labeled (e.g., "No pain" and "Worst pain imaginable"). The individual marks a point on the line that best represents their feeling. The distance from the start of the line to the mark is then measured to quantify the intensity of the sensation. VAS provides a simple, quick, and subjective way to assess changes or differences in experience over time or between individuals.