Tools

Feelings Wheel (Emotion Wheel)

Start from the broad feeling in the center, then move outward until you find the word that fits. No sign-up, nothing is saved.

HappySadAngryAfraidSurprisedDisgustedJoyfulProudInspiredContentPeacefulHopefulLonelyHurtDisappointedDrainedEmptyLostFrustratedFuriousResentfulAgitatedAnxiousOverwhelmedInsecureScaredTensePowerlessStartledConfusedAmazedExcitedDisapprovingRepelledAshamedUncomfortableDelightedElatedTriumphantConfidentMotivatedEnergizedGratefulFulfilledCalmRelaxedOptimisticReassuredIsolatedDisconnectedHeartbrokenRejectedDiscouragedLet downExhaustedSluggishFlatNumbStuckAimlessIrritatedImpatientEnragedOutragedBitterJealousWorked upRestlessWorriedNervousPressuredStressedInadequateUneasyPanickedTerrifiedOn edgeUnsettledHelplessVulnerableShockedAlarmedPuzzledTornAwedAstonishedEagerBuzzingJudgmentalCriticalRevoltedAverseGuiltySelf-criticalAwkwardEmbarrassedHappySadAngryAfraidSurprisedDisgustedJoyfulProudInspiredContentPeacefulHopefulLonelyHurtDisappointedDrainedEmptyLostFrustratedFuriousResentfulAgitatedAnxiousOverwhelmedInsecureScaredTensePowerlessStartledConfusedAmazedExcitedDisapprovingRepelledAshamedUncomfortableDelightedElatedTriumphantConfidentMotivatedEnergizedGratefulFulfilledCalmRelaxedOptimisticReassuredIsolatedDisconnectedHeartbrokenRejectedDiscouragedLet downExhaustedSluggishFlatNumbStuckAimlessIrritatedImpatientEnragedOutragedBitterJealousWorked upRestlessWorriedNervousPressuredStressedInadequateUneasyPanickedTerrifiedOn edgeUnsettledHelplessVulnerableShockedAlarmedPuzzledTornAwedAstonishedEagerBuzzingJudgmentalCriticalRevoltedAverseGuiltySelf-criticalAwkwardEmbarrassed

Tap the color closest to how you feel right now.

How to use the feelings wheel

  1. Tap the color closest to how you feel right now.
  2. Pick the feeling in the middle ring that fits better.
  3. Choose the exact word on the outer ring — then read and answer the two questions.

Printable emotion wheel (PDF)

Download the emotion wheelPDF

What is a feelings wheel

A feelings wheel — also called an emotion wheel — is a map of emotions arranged from broad to specific. Six basic families sit in the center; each opens into more precise feelings and, on the outer ring, into exact words.

Naming a feeling precisely tends to take some of its weight away. “Bad” is hard to work with; “disappointed” or “drained” already points to what happened and what you might need.

See the full list of emotions →

FAQ

Which feelings wheel is this?

Feelings wheels go back to Gloria Willcox (1982) and Robert Plutchik (1980). This arrangement is Enodo’s own: the six classic families, with words chosen for everyday use.

What if no word fits exactly?

Pick the closest one. Two words can be true at once — anxious and excited often travel together. The wheel is a starting point, not a test.

Can I print it?

Yes. Download the emotion wheel as a PDF and print it — no email or sign-up needed.

Is this a diagnosis?

No. The wheel helps you put a feeling into words. If you’re struggling for a long time or feel unsafe, please reach out to a professional or a local crisis line.

Full list of emotions

Happy

  • Joyful
  • Proud
  • Inspired
  • Content
  • Peaceful
  • Hopeful

Sad

  • Lonely
  • Hurt
  • Disappointed
  • Drained
  • Empty
  • Lost

Angry

  • Frustrated
  • Furious
  • Resentful
  • Agitated

Afraid

  • Anxious
  • Overwhelmed
  • Insecure
  • Scared
  • Tense
  • Powerless

Surprised

  • Startled
  • Confused
  • Amazed
  • Excited

Disgusted

  • Disapproving
  • Repelled
  • Ashamed
  • Uncomfortable

getenodo.com/tools/feelings-wheel · Arrangement by Enodo · Free to print and share

Sources

  1. Willcox, G. (1982). The Feeling Wheel: A tool for expanding awareness of emotions and increasing spontaneity and intimacy. Transactional Analysis Journal, 12(4), 274–276. https://doi.org/10.1177/036215378201200411
  2. Plutchik, R. (1980). Emotion: A psychoevolutionary synthesis. New York: Harper & Row.
  3. Ekman, P. (1992). An argument for basic emotions. Cognition and Emotion, 6(3–4), 169–200. https://doi.org/10.1080/02699939208411068
  4. Lieberman, M. D., et al. (2007). Putting feelings into words: Affect labeling disrupts amygdala activity in response to affective stimuli. Psychological Science, 18(5), 421–428. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9280.2007.01916.x
  5. Kashdan, T. B., Barrett, L. F., & McKnight, P. E. (2015). Unpacking emotion differentiation: Transforming unpleasant experience by perceiving distinctions in negativity. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 24(1), 10–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/0963721414550708