Enter the verbal, vocal, and nonverbal communication percentages into the calculator to determine the total communication percentage. This calculator can also evaluate any of the variables given the others are known.

55 Rule Formula

The following formula is used to calculate the percentage of communication in the 55 Rule. 

C = (V * 0.07) + (Vo * 0.38) + (N * 0.55)

Variables:

  • C is the total communication (%)
  • V is the verbal communication (actual words spoken) (%)
  • Vo is the vocal communication (tone, pace, volume of speech) (%)
  • N is the nonverbal communication (body language, facial expressions, etc.) (%)

To calculate the total communication, multiply the verbal communication by 0.07, the vocal communication by 0.38, and the nonverbal communication by 0.55. Add all these results together to get the total communication.

What is a 55 Rule?

The 55 Rule is a concept in communication theory that suggests that only 7% of communication is verbal (the actual words spoken), while 38% is vocal (the tone, pace, and volume of speech) and 55% is nonverbal (body language, facial expressions, etc.). This rule is often attributed to psychologist Albert Mehrabian, who conducted several studies on nonverbal communication. However, it’s important to note that this rule applies primarily to situations where people are communicating about their feelings and attitudes.

How to Calculate 55 Rule?

The following steps outline how to calculate the 55 Rule.

  1. First, determine the verbal communication percentage (V).
  2. Next, determine the vocal communication percentage (Vo).
  3. Next, determine the nonverbal communication percentage (N).
  4. Next, insert the values into the formula: C = (V * 0.07) + (Vo * 0.38) + (N * 0.55).
  5. Finally, calculate the total communication percentage (C).
  6. After inserting the variables and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem : 

Use the following variables as an example problem to test your knowledge.

verbal communication (%) = 40

vocal communication (%) = 25

nonverbal communication (%) = 35