The Theory

A deep dive into each variable, what it measures, and how it contributes to the overall SMV score.

Base Physical / Genetics

Height

(150–210 cm)

Height is one of the most studied variables in attractiveness research. Studies consistently show taller men are perceived as more attractive. The height score is calculated using a hyperbolic tangent function, which heavily boosts the SMV of tall men and decreases it for short men — more so than if height were expressed directly as a linear variable. The effects of height on dating success do not extend infinitely beyond the extremes, so values above 200 cm and below 150 cm do not excessively skew the final SMV.

Face

(1–10)

Facial attractiveness encompasses bone structure, symmetry, skin quality, and overall harmony of features. Rate yourself across subcategories like symmetry, proportions, skin quality, eye appearance, jawline, and overall impression — then average into a single 1-10 score.

Symmetry

1–3Highly asymmetrical features; noticeable imbalance between sides of the face

4–6Moderately symmetrical; minor asymmetries visible up close

7–10Highly symmetrical; both sides of the face are well-balanced

Averageness

1–3Features deviate significantly from the average (unusual proportions or spacing)

4–6Features are somewhat close to the population average

7–10Features closely match the average — a key driver of perceived attractiveness

Facial Proportions

1–3Disproportionate features (e.g., overly long midface, receding chin, wide-set eyes)

4–6Moderately proportioned; no major imbalances

7–10Well-proportioned features aligned with commonly attractive ratios

Skin Quality

1–3Noticeable blemishes, scarring, uneven skin tone, or persistent acne

4–6Moderate clarity with minor imperfections; generally acceptable

7–10Clear, radiant skin with an even tone and healthy texture

Eye Appearance

1–3Eyes appear tired, asymmetrical, or have heavy dark circles

4–6Moderately alert and symmetrical eyes; unremarkable

7–10Bright, well-shaped eyes that convey alertness and vitality

Jawline & Chin

1–3Weak, recessed, or overly prominent jawline/chin

4–6Moderately defined jawline/chin; average

7–10Strong, well-defined jawline and chin with good forward projection

Overall Impression

1–3Generally perceived as unattractive on first impression

4–6Perceived as average-looking; neither striking nor off-putting

7–10Perceived as highly attractive; memorable, head-turning face

Ethnicity

(1–10)

Ethnicity scores are derived from dating market preference data.

Score	Ethnicity
4	White / European
3	Latino / Hispanic, African / Black, Middle Eastern / North African, Central Asian, Mixed / Multiracial
2	East Asian, Southeast Asian, Native American / Pacific Islander / Other Indigenous
1	South Asian

IQ / Intelligence

(70–140)

Intelligence correlates with earning potential, conversational ability, and long-term partner desirability. IQ is measured on a standardized scale with mean 100 and SD 15.

Score	Description	Percentile
70	Below Average	~2nd percentile
85	Low Average	~16th percentile
100	Average	50th percentile
115	Above Average	~84th percentile
130	Gifted	~98th percentile
140	Highly Gifted	~99.6th percentile

Physical Modifiers (Maxxing)

Looksmaxxing

(1–3)

Looksmaxxing covers grooming, skincare, haircare, dental care, hygiene, and scent — everything beyond fashion that affects how put-together you look and present yourself. Grade yourself across each subcategory, then average into a single 1-3 score.

Skincare

1Rarely or never follows a skincare routine. May occasionally wash face but does not use specialized products.

2Follows a basic routine — cleansing and moisturizing. May occasionally use treatments like masks or exfoliants.

3Comprehensive routine including cleansing, toning, moisturizing, and targeted treatments. May invest in high-quality products or seek professional advice.

Grooming

1Infrequent grooming. Unkempt facial hair, neglected eyebrows, rarely trims or cleans nails.

2Regular grooming habits. Keeps facial hair trimmed and neat, occasionally shapes eyebrows, regularly trims nails.

3Meticulous grooming. Facial hair always well-maintained, eyebrows regularly addressed, clean well-trimmed nails, may get professional manicures.

Haircut

1Rarely gets haircuts or styles hair. Overgrown or unkempt hairstyle.

2Regular haircuts, occasionally styles hair. May use basic products like gel or hairspray.

3Frequently updates hairstyle. Invests in quality hair products and may seek professional advice on cuts and styling.

Dental Care

1Rarely attends dental check-ups. Basic brushing with little to no flossing.

2Regular dental check-ups. Brushes and flosses daily but may not use additional dental care products.

3Regular check-ups and professional cleanings. Comprehensive dental care routine including whitening or orthodontic maintenance.

Hygiene

1Infrequent bathing or showering. May not use deodorant regularly.

2Regular bathing and consistent use of deodorant. Maintains general cleanliness.

3Prioritizes cleanliness. Bathes daily and ensures consistent use of deodorant and other hygiene products.

Scent

1Rarely or never uses cologne or fragrance.

2Occasionally uses cologne or fragrance for events or outings.

3Regularly uses high-quality cologne, possibly with a signature scent.

Overall Impression

1Shows little to no consistent effort in maintaining or enhancing physical appearance.

2Shows consistent effort in maintaining appearance but stays within basic care routines.

3Demonstrates a high level of dedication to enhancing and maintaining appearance. Regularly refines grooming and skincare routines.

Fashionmaxxing

(1–3)

Fashion and personal style significantly affect first impressions. Covers clothing fit, accessories, footwear, color coordination, layering, and overall style awareness. Grade yourself across each subcategory, then average into a single 1-3 score.

Clothing Choices

1Primarily wears basic or functional clothing without regard for fashion trends or fit.

2Mix of basic and trendy clothing. Pays attention to fit but may not always tailor for the perfect fit.

3Regularly updates wardrobe with timeless pieces and current trends. Prioritizes fit and frequently tailors clothing.

Accessories

1Rarely or never uses accessories like watches, belts, or hats.

2Occasionally incorporates accessories to complement outfits.

3Uses a range of accessories to enhance outfits, possibly having signature pieces or brands.

Footwear

1Limited range of shoes chosen primarily for comfort or functionality without regard for style.

2Owns a variety of shoes for different occasions but may not always prioritize style over comfort.

3Diverse range of high-quality footwear for different occasions, well-coordinated with outfits.

Eyewear

1If glasses are worn, chosen for functionality only. Rarely or never changes frames.

2Chooses functional glasses with some style consideration. May have one or two different frames.

3Regularly updates eyewear to match fashion trends or personal style. May own multiple pairs for different occasions.

Brands & Quality

1Primarily opts for cheaper or generic brands without considering quality or longevity.

2Mix of basic and some high-quality brands in the wardrobe.

3Prioritizes high-quality brands and sustainable fashion, investing in pieces that last.

Layering & Color

1Rarely layers clothes. Little to no attention to color coordination.

2Occasionally layers clothes. Generally coordinates colors well but stays within a comfort zone.

3Masterfully layers for style and comfort. Sophisticated color coordination with bold or unique combinations.

Experimentation

1Rarely or never tries different styles or patterns.

2Sometimes tries different styles but stays within a comfort zone.

3Often tries new styles and patterns. Not afraid to step outside the comfort zone and set personal trends.

Overall Impression

1Shows little to no consistent effort in maintaining or enhancing personal style.

2Shows consistent effort in personal style but may not always keep up with the latest trends.

3High dedication to personal style. Keeps up with fashion trends and may even set personal trends.

Body Fat %

(10–35 %)

Gymmaxxing can improve facial definition, physique aesthetics, and perceived health. For men, the ideal range for attractiveness is roughly 12-15%.

Score	Body Adiposity	Description
10	10–12%	Very lean; sharp definition, abs and vascularity clearly visible
15	13–15%	Lean and athletic; abs visible with good muscle separation
20	16–20%	Typical range; some definition, abs not consistently visible
25	21–25%	Softer look; limited definition, midsection less tight
30	26–30%	Overweight look; little definition, noticeably thicker waist and midsection
35	31–35%	Obese range; significant fat accumulation, pronounced midsection and facial puffiness

Non-Physical Modifiers

Personality

(1–5)

Personality encompasses humor, drive, communication, warmth, emotional regulation, and respect. Personality alone won't get you into a relationship, but a poor personality can significantly hurt your chances at maintaining long-term ones. Grade yourself across each subcategory, then average into a single 1-5 score.

Humor & Playfulness

1Rigid or negative; cannot banter or engage playfully.

2Occasionally playful but humor is hit-or-miss.

3Can joke and laugh; decent sense of humor.

4Consistently fun, light, and witty in social settings.

5Strong banter; reliably elevates mood and chemistry in any interaction.

Drive & Interestingness

1Aimless with low curiosity; nothing going on.

2Sporadic interests; lacks clear direction or passion.

3Has genuine interests and goals to talk about.

4Purposeful with an active life; learns and tries new things.

5Highly driven and curious; inspiring to be around without being obsessive.

Communication & Listening

1Vague or defensive; talks past people rather than with them.

2Inconsistent clarity; weak listening skills.

3Communicates fine and listens okay in most situations.

4Clear and tactful communicator; genuinely good listener.

5Exceptionally clear, curious, and emotionally intelligent communicator.

Warmth & Empathy

1Comes off cold and self-focused; low attunement to others.

2Sometimes considerate but inconsistent in showing empathy.

3Generally kind and empathetic in most interactions.

4Consistently warm; makes others feel valued and understood.

5Exceptionally attuned; people feel safe and "seen" almost immediately.

Emotional Regulation

1Reactive and volatile; tends to escalate situations.

2Easily frustrated or jealous; creates tension.

3Mostly steady; recovers reasonably from emotional moments.

4Calm under stress; actively de-escalates conflict.

5Unshakable composure; makes dating and relationships feel easy and low-drama.

Respect & Boundaries

1Pushy or disrespectful; ignores "no" and crosses lines.

2Sometimes insensitive or entitled in interactions.

3Generally respectful of others and their boundaries.

4Proactively considerate with good consent instincts.

5Exceptionally respectful; strong personal boundaries and makes others feel comfortable.

Rizz

(1–5)

"Rizz" refers to one's ability to attract and seduce through conversation, body language, and romantic confidence. Distinct from general personality, this measures your specific skill at flirting, approaching, and building romantic tension. Grade yourself across each subcategory, then average into a single 1-5 score.

Confidence

1Lacks belief in personal attractiveness and worth.

2Occasionally recognizes personal strengths but is often overshadowed by self-doubt.

3Has a balanced view of personal strengths and weaknesses.

4Frequently feels positive about personal attributes and believes in self-worth.

5Exudes a strong sense of self-worth and is unfazed by external opinions.

Approach

1Rarely or never initiates conversations due to fear of rejection or lack of interest.

2Hesitates to approach women and often needs encouragement from peers.

3Sometimes approaches women, especially in familiar or comfortable settings.

4Regularly approaches women with genuine interest and curiosity.

5Confidently approaches women in various settings, exuding charisma.

Initiative

1Shows little to no effort in planning or suggesting activities.

2Needs frequent prompts to take the lead or make suggestions.

3Shows some effort in planning or suggesting activities but may lack spontaneity.

4Often takes the lead in planning dates or suggesting activities.

5Proactively plans and suggests unique and memorable activities.

Communication

1Struggles to maintain conversations, frequently stumbles over words, or speaks very softly.

2Can maintain basic conversations but struggles to express interest or feelings.

3Engages in conversations and occasionally expresses interest, though may hesitate at times.

4Expresses interest clearly and confidently, can steer conversations and make connections.

5Articulate, engaging, and can effortlessly express interest or intentions.

Genuine Compliments

1Rarely gives compliments, and when given, they may come off as insincere.

2Gives compliments infrequently, and they may lack authenticity.

3Gives compliments that are often sincere, but may sometimes miss the mark.

4Gives heartfelt compliments that resonate with the receiver.

5Masterfully gives compliments that are both sincere and impactful.

Active Listening

1Often seems distracted or disinterested during conversations.

2Sometimes pays attention but may miss key details or cues.

3Pays attention most of the time but may occasionally drift off.

4Listens intently and responds thoughtfully, showing genuine interest.

5Always present in the conversation, making the other person feel truly heard and valued.

Body Language

1Displays closed-off body language, avoids eye contact, and often looks down or away.

2Occasionally makes eye contact but tends to have reserved body language.

3Maintains decent posture and makes regular eye contact.

4Displays open and inviting body language, maintains strong eye contact.

5Consistently displays confident body language, including strong posture, steady gaze, and relaxed demeanor.

Flirtation

1Does not recognize or respond to flirtatious cues; rarely or never flirts.

2Occasionally flirts but may come off as insincere or forced.

3Flirts with some confidence but may miss subtle cues from the other person.

4Flirts effectively, recognizing and responding to cues from the other person.

5Masterfully flirts, creating a genuine connection and building mutual interest.

Rejection Handling

1Takes rejection very personally and may dwell on it for extended periods.

2Feels disappointed with rejection and may need time to recover.

3Understands that rejection is a part of life and doesn't always reflect personal worth.

4Handles rejection gracefully, seeing it as a mismatch rather than a personal failure.

5Views rejection as an opportunity for growth or reflection, quickly moves on without dwelling.

Money / Status / Fame

(1–5)

Money, status, and fame are powerful attractiveness multipliers, especially for men. This variable captures resources, status and power, visibility, and reputation. Grade yourself across each subcategory, then average into a single 1-5 score.

Resources

1Income is inconsistent or very low; essentials are a stretch; no discretionary income; debts and obligations feel heavy.

2Income covers essentials; discretionary income is small or unstable; savings are thin; setbacks create stress.

3Income is stable; some discretionary income most months; consistent saving and investing; moderate net worth.

4Income is high and reliable; strong discretionary income; low harmful debt; savings and investments are substantial and growing.

5Income is exceptional and/or diversified; discretionary income is very high; wealth is durable with assets meaningfully exceeding liabilities.

Status & Power

1Low recognized standing; little autonomy; minimal influence in groups or organizations.

2Modest standing; some competence signals; limited authority; small but functional network.

3Respected in a domain; clear competence; some leadership or decision input; network generates opportunities.

4High-status leader or expert; meaningful authority over people, budget, or outcomes; prestigious affiliations; high-trust network.

5Elite power center; sets direction and gatekeeps access; top-tier titles and honors; network is strongly influential.

Visibility & Fame

1Unknown outside immediate circle; no real public footprint.

2Micro-visible; known in a small niche or community; occasional recognition.

3Niche or industry known; regular public-facing exposure; strangers in-domain recognize name or face.

4Broad visibility; large audience and/or frequent earned media; consistent inbound opportunities.

5Household name within a large market; attention on demand; mainstream recognition.

Reputation & Trust

1Widely distrusted; repeated serious issues; unreliable "red-flag" reputation.

2Mixed reputation; reliability questioned; inconsistent follow-through.

3Generally trusted; dependable; few credible negatives.

4Strong reputation; others vouch readily; seen as fair and reliable.

5Exemplary reputation; unusually high integrity and consistency across all contexts.