Choose the expanded page model or Classic Trust Equation, then the value to solve for. Enter the displayed subjective ratings; example profiles are illustrations, not research benchmarks.
Trust Factor Formula (Expanded / Modified)
The following formula is used to calculate the expanded trust factor shown in the main calculator tab (it is a modified scoring model inspired by the classic Trust Equation).
Variables:
- TF is the trust factor
- R is the reliability score (1-10)
- Re is the responsiveness score (1-10)
- C is the competence score (1-10)
- I is the intimacy score (1-10)
- SO is the self-orientation score (1-10)
- Note: The classic Trust Equation uses Credibility (not Competence/Responsiveness) and is available in the calculator’s Classic Trust Equation mode.
To calculate the trust factor, add the scores for reliability, responsiveness, competence, and intimacy, then divide by the self-orientation score (SO must be greater than 0).
What is a Trust Factor?
The classic Trust Equation is a conceptual framework associated with David Maister, Charles H. Green and Robert M. Galford: TQ = (Credibility + Reliability + Intimacy) / Self-Orientation. The expanded equation on this page adds Responsiveness and replaces Credibility with Competence. That modification is not presented as a validated assessment.
Both equations divide a sum of subjective component ratings by self-orientation. Changing a numerator rating has an additive effect on the numerator; changing the denominator scales the equation score. This mathematical relationship does not establish a causal effect on real-world trust.
The Two Models: Expanded vs. Classic Trust Equation
The Classic Trust Equation uses Credibility, Reliability and Intimacy in the numerator. This calculator uses directly entered 1–10 ratings; it does not reproduce the questions, scoring or norms of Trusted Advisor Associates’ official Trust Quotient Assessment.
The Expanded Model is this page’s illustrative variant. Responsiveness and Competence are separate subjective ratings. The added term changes the score’s scale, so expanded and classic scores are not directly comparable.
Component Breakdown
Reliability (R) describes perceived dependability and follow-through on commitments. Enter a subjective rating from 1 to 10 using a consistent interpretation across comparisons.
Responsiveness (Re) describes perceived promptness and usefulness of communication. It appears only in the modified expanded model; this calculator supplies no validated industry norms.
Competence (C) describes perceived relevant knowledge and skill. The classic model instead uses Credibility, which includes perceived believability and expertise.
Intimacy (I) describes perceived safety in confiding in someone. The rating is subjective; this calculator does not measure confidentiality or predict client retention.
Self-Orientation (SO) represents perceived focus on oneself rather than the other party. On this page’s chosen scale, use 1–10. For example, expanded numerator ratings 9, 8, 9 and 8 sum to 34: a denominator of 8 gives 4.25, while 3 gives approximately 11.3333. The score increases by about 166.7%; this is algebra, not a measured change in trust.
The Asymmetric Power of Self-Orientation
At the example baseline (7+7+7+7)/5=5.60, increasing one numerator rating by 1 gives 5.80, a gain of about 3.6%. Reducing the denominator from 5 to 4 gives 7.00, a gain of 25%. The sevenfold comparison applies to these particular numbers and is not a validated recommendation about personal behavior.
Trust Factor Research Benchmarks
The official Trust Quotient Assessment is a separate questionnaire and scoring process. This direct-input calculator has no validated population benchmarks and should not be used to rank people or infer differences by age, gender, profession or industry.
Organizational trust surveys use different questions, populations and scales. Their percentages cannot calibrate the interpersonal equation scores on this page.
Score Interpretation by Professional Context
The five optional example profiles reuse arbitrary numerical illustrations from the original calculator. They are labeled Examples A–E and are not documented healthcare, finance, retail, consulting or software-support norms. No profile is selected initially.
No validated low, medium or high thresholds are supplied for these scores. With all components restricted to 1–10, the expanded equation’s possible range is 0.4–40 and the classic equation’s range is 0.3–30. These mathematical limits are not percentiles, probabilities or official assessment scores.
