Emotion Wheel
A printable emotion wheel with six core emotions in the centre and more precise feelings in each ring — to help you name exactly what you feel. Free PDF, or tap and circle feelings with Apple Pencil online.
Free · no sign-up · PDF works for printing and in any note or journal app. Made for this site.
About this template
Saying “I feel bad” doesn't tell you much. An emotion wheel helps you get more precise: start in the centre with one of six core emotions — happy, sad, angry, fearful, surprised, disgusted — then move outward through two rings of more specific feelings until one fits. This wheel is our own design based on the widely used six-core-emotion layout, with 24 feelings in the middle ring and 48 in the outer ring.
How to use it
- Start in the centre with the broad emotion, then move out until a word feels right.
- It's normal to find two or three feelings at once — circle all of them.
- Write the word on your mood tracker or in your journal and add what triggered it.
Write with Apple Pencil, a mouse or your finger. Your page is saved in this browser.
Journal on iPad with Apple Pencil
Journal for iPad has 145 built-in templates, guided 30-day programs and Face ID lock. Free to download.
Frequently asked questions
What is an emotion wheel?
A circular chart of emotions: broad core emotions in the centre and more specific feelings towards the edge. It's used to build emotional vocabulary — in therapy, classrooms and journaling.
Is the feelings wheel the same as the emotion wheel?
Yes, people use both names for the same kind of chart. Different versions exist; this one is our own design based on six core emotions.
How do I use the emotion wheel for journaling?
When you journal, find the most precise word on the wheel, write it down and ask what caused it. See journaling for anxiety.
