Learning Style Identifier Calculator
Free Learning style identifier tool for learning & teaching tools. Enter values to see solutions, formulas, and educational explanations.
Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer
Formula
Style Percentage = (Style Score / Total VARK Score) x 100%
Each VARK modality score is divided by the total of all four scores to determine its relative percentage. The primary learning style is the modality with the highest percentage. If the top two styles are within 1 point of each other, the learner is classified as multimodal. Additional dimensions like social preference and structure preference provide a more complete learning profile.
Worked Examples
Example 1: Engineering Student Learning Profile
Problem:An engineering student rates their preferences: Visual 9/10, Auditory 4/10, Kinesthetic 8/10, Read/Write 6/10, Group 3/10, Independent 8/10, Structured 7/10, Flexible 4/10.
Solution:Total VARK = 9 + 4 + 6 + 8 = 27\nVisual: (9/27) x 100 = 33.3%\nAuditory: (4/27) x 100 = 14.8%\nRead/Write: (6/27) x 100 = 22.2%\nKinesthetic: (8/27) x 100 = 29.6%\nPrimary: Visual (33.3%)\nSecondary: Kinesthetic (29.6%)\nMultimodal: No (difference > 1)\nSocial: Independent | Structure: Structured
Result:Primary: Visual | Secondary: Kinesthetic | Independent Structured Learner
Example 2: Liberal Arts Student with Balanced Profile
Problem:A liberal arts student rates: Visual 6/10, Auditory 7/10, Kinesthetic 5/10, Read/Write 7/10, Group 6/10, Independent 5/10, Structured 5/10, Flexible 6/10.
Solution:Total VARK = 6 + 7 + 7 + 5 = 25\nVisual: (6/25) x 100 = 24.0%\nAuditory: (7/25) x 100 = 28.0%\nRead/Write: (7/25) x 100 = 28.0%\nKinesthetic: (5/25) x 100 = 20.0%\nPrimary: Auditory/Read-Write (tied at 28%)\nMultimodal: Yes (top two within 1 point)\nBalance Score: 71.4% | Adaptability: High
Result:Multimodal: Auditory + Read/Write | Collaborative Flexible Learner | High Adaptability
Frequently Asked Questions
What are learning styles and what is the VARK model?
Learning styles refer to the preferred ways individuals absorb, process, and retain information. The VARK model, developed by Neil Fleming in 1987, identifies four primary sensory learning preferences: Visual learners prefer diagrams, charts, and spatial understanding; Auditory learners benefit from listening, discussion, and verbal explanation; Read/Write learners favor text-based input and output; and Kinesthetic learners learn best through physical experience and hands-on practice. While the concept of learning styles is popular and intuitively appealing, it is important to note that modern research suggests most people benefit from multimodal approaches that engage multiple sensory channels rather than relying exclusively on one preferred style.
Is there scientific evidence supporting learning styles?
The scientific evidence on learning styles is nuanced and has been the subject of considerable debate in educational psychology. A comprehensive review by Pashler and colleagues in 2008 found that while people do have genuine preferences for how they receive information, there is limited evidence that matching instruction to preferred learning styles actually improves learning outcomes. This does not mean preferences do not exist or that they are meaningless, rather it means that the meshing hypothesis, which suggests learning is best when instruction matches style, has not been consistently supported. The most effective approach appears to be using multiple modalities and choosing instructional methods based on the nature of the content rather than the learner's stated preference. Visual diagrams are better for spatial relationships regardless of learning style.
How can understanding learning preferences still be useful?
Despite the scientific debate, understanding learning preferences remains practically valuable for several reasons. Self-awareness about how you naturally approach learning tasks helps you build effective study routines and identify strategies you might otherwise overlook. Knowing your preferences helps you select appropriate study tools and resources from the vast options available. Understanding that you have a strong kinesthetic preference might prompt you to seek out lab experiences or hands-on workshops rather than relying solely on lectures. Additionally, understanding the full VARK spectrum encourages learners to deliberately engage weaker modalities, which research shows improves overall encoding. The key is using preference awareness as a starting point for strategy development rather than as a rigid constraint on learning approaches.
What is multimodal learning and why is it effective?
Multimodal learning involves engaging multiple sensory channels and processing modes simultaneously or in close sequence. Rather than relying on a single modality, multimodal approaches combine visual, auditory, reading, and kinesthetic elements to create richer memory traces. Dual coding theory by Allan Paivio explains that information encoded through multiple channels creates redundant memory representations, making retrieval more likely because there are multiple pathways to access the information. For example, a student studying anatomy who reads the textbook (read/write), examines diagrams (visual), listens to a lecture (auditory), and practices with a physical model (kinesthetic) creates four distinct but interconnected memory traces. Research consistently shows that multimodal encoding produces superior long-term retention compared to any single-modality approach.
References
Reviewed by Daniel Agrici, Founder & Lead Developer · Editorial policy