The Ultimate Guide to Answering OkCupid Questions

Finding the best OkCupid questions to answer can feel like a full-time job. You spend hours clicking through quizzes, trying to sound smart and funny, only to get matched with people you have nothing in common with. It feels like shouting into the void.

But what if those questions weren't a chore?

What if they were a strategic tool? A control panel for the OkCupid algorithm that you can use to attract exactly the kind of person you want to meet. It’s not about answering thousands of questions. It's about answering the right ones with purpose.

This guide will give you a clear, actionable strategy to improve your match quality and quantity. We’ll show you how to make the algorithm work for you. Because while your answers are key, they need to be paired with profile photos that actually get you noticed.

Understanding the OkCupid Algorithm: More Than Just a Percentage

First, let’s get one thing straight about how OkCupid questions work. That match percentage isn't random magic. It's a calculated score based on a simple but powerful system. You control the inputs, so you control the outcome.

The entire system boils down to three key components for every single question you answer:

1. Your Answer: This is your straightforward choice. Yes or no, cats or dogs.
2. The Answers You'll Accept: This is where you tell the algorithm what you're looking for in a partner. You can select one or more answers you'd find acceptable.
3. The Importance: This is the secret weapon. You rank how much the question matters to you: A Little Important, Very Important, or Mandatory.

That "Importance" setting is everything. Think of it as a multiplier. A question you mark as "Mandatory" carries immense weight. If a potential match doesn't meet your criteria on a mandatory question, their match score with you will plummet, no matter how much you agree on other things.

Your Match Percentage isn't a measure of overall compatibility. It's a measure of compatibility *based on the specific questions you chose to answer and prioritise.*

This is where the strategy comes in. By carefully selecting which questions to answer and how to weigh their importance, you’re not just answering a quiz. You're building a highly specific filter to weed out incompatible people and draw in the ones you’ll actually connect with. These are more than just OkCupid match percentage questions; they are your personal screening tool.

The Strategic 5: Key Question Categories to Prioritise for High-Quality Matches

Forget trying to answer all 4,000+ questions. That’s a recipe for dating burnout. A powerful profile is built on quality, not quantity. Answering a few hundred questions strategically is far more effective. For some more general advice, check out our OkCupid profile tips for men.

Focus your energy on these five critical categories to create a profile that attracts high-quality matches.

Dealbreakers & Lifestyle

These are the non-negotiables. The big-ticket items that determine fundamental compatibility. Answering these honestly and marking them as "Very Important" or "Mandatory" saves everyone a massive amount of time.

Think about things like politics, religion, smoking habits, and whether you want children. There's no right or wrong answer, but being vague here is a mistake. Be decisive. This is your first and most powerful filter.

Relationship Intent

What are you actually looking for? OkCupid caters to everything from casual hookups to marriage. If you're looking for a long-term relationship, you need to say so. Your answers here will filter out people who are just looking for a fling (and vice-versa).

Questions like, "How long do you want your next relationship to last?" are direct for a reason. They align expectations from the very beginning, ensuring you're both on the same page before a single message is sent.

Intimacy & Affection

This category helps gauge both physical and emotional compatibility. It covers everything from your views on public displays of affection to your sex drive. It might feel a little personal, but these questions are crucial for finding a truly compatible partner.

Answering honestly about what you want and need in terms of intimacy helps you connect with someone whose desires match yours. It’s a shortcut to finding someone you click with on a deeper level.

Personality & Humour

This is where you get to shine. These questions are your opportunity to showcase who you are beyond the basic stats. Your answers here should be more than just a click; they should be a reflection of your personality. This is the perfect place to craft some funny OkCupid answers.

When a question asks if you prefer humour or intelligence, don't just pick one. Use the explanation box! A great answer reveals your wit and gives potential matches a taste of your personality. It makes your profile memorable.

Conversation Starters

Some questions are practically begging to be used as an opener. These are often quirky, opinion-based questions about things like pineapple on pizza or whether you could date someone messy.

Think of these answers as bait. A unique or funny explanation can be the perfect hook for someone to start a conversation with you. They see your answer, laugh, and immediately have something interesting to message you about.

Here's a quick comparison of bland vs. compelling answers:

The Top 25 OkCupid Questions Men Should Answer in 2025

Ready to get specific? Here is an OkCupid questions list designed to maximise your results. Answering these 25 questions thoughtfully will have a bigger impact than answering 500 questions randomly. These are some of the best OkCupid questions to answer right now.

1. The Question: How long do you want your next relationship to last?
   The Strategy: This is the ultimate intent filter. Be honest. Answering "Several years" or "The rest of my life" will attract women with serious intentions and deter those looking for something casual.
   Good Answer Example: Select "Several years" and in the explanation, add: "I'm looking to build something real with the right person."
2. The Question: Are you looking for a monogamous or non-monogamous relationship?
   The Strategy: This is a critical dealbreaker. There's no middle ground. Answering this clearly and marking it as "Mandatory" ensures you match only with people who share your fundamental relationship structure.
   Good Answer Example: Choose your preference and mark it "Mandatory." No explanation is needed unless you feel strongly about it.
3. The Question: Do you want to have kids someday?
   The Strategy: Another major life goal question. Don't be vague. If you know you want kids, or know you don't, state it. This saves immense future heartache.
   Good Answer Example: Select your true preference. Explanation: "Definitely, but I'm not in a rush. I'm focussed on finding the right partner first."
4. The Question: Could you date someone who was really messy?
   The Strategy: A great lifestyle and conversation starter question. Your answer signals your tolerance for domestic chaos and provides a fun opening for a message.
   Good Answer Example: "Yes, as long as we can agree on a 'no-fly zone' for clutter in the kitchen. My cooking space is sacred."
5. The Question: How important is religion/God in your life?
   The Strategy: This is a core values question. Be honest about your beliefs or lack thereof. It's a key factor for long-term compatibility for many people.
   Good Answer Example: Select your level of importance. Explanation: "I'm more spiritual than religious, but I respect what others believe."
6. The Question: How often do you smoke cigarettes?
   The Strategy: A simple but powerful lifestyle dealbreaker for a huge number of people. If you're a non-smoker, marking "Never" as your answer and accepting only "Never" is a strong filter.
   Good Answer Example: Be honest. If you're a non-smoker, state it clearly.
7. The Question: Would you date someone who is a bit overweight?
   The Strategy: This question tests honesty and can reveal your priorities regarding physical fitness and attraction. Answering honestly shows confidence in what you're looking for.
   Good Answer Example: "Yes. Connection and personality are far more important to me than a specific body type."
8. The Question: Which is more important: humour or intelligence?
   The Strategy: Don't just pick one. Use the explanation to show you have both. This is a classic personality question.
   Good Answer Example: "That's a false choice. I'm looking for someone who is smart enough to get my jokes."
9. The Question: How do you feel about public displays of affection?
   The Strategy: This helps gauge your comfort level with intimacy and affection in public. It’s a simple way to check for compatibility in how you express love.
   Good Answer Example: "I'm all for holding hands and a quick kiss, but let's save the heavy stuff for private."
10. The Question: Do you enjoy intense intellectual conversations?
    The Strategy: Are you a deep thinker or more of a lighthearted conversationalist? This question helps you find someone on your wavelength.
    Good Answer Example: "Absolutely. I love diving into a topic and learning something new. Tell me something you're passionate about."
11. The Question: Is jealousy healthy in a relationship?
    The Strategy: This is a subtle indicator of emotional maturity and security. The "correct" answer for most emotionally healthy people is no.
    Good Answer Example: "No. I think trust and communication are healthy. Jealousy is a sign something's wrong."
12. The Question: Pineapple on pizza: Yes or no?
    The Strategy: The ultimate low-stakes, high-impact conversation starter. Pick a side and own it. It's a fun way to show personality.
    Good Answer Example: "Yes, and I'm willing to defend this hill. The sweet and savoury combo is undefeated."
13. The Question: How often do you feel angry?
    The Strategy: Another question that tests for emotional regulation. Answering "Rarely" or "Almost never" is generally seen as a green flag.
    Good Answer Example: "Rarely. It takes a lot to get me worked up. I'm pretty easy-going."
14. The Question: Do you prefer spontaneity or careful planning?
    The Strategy: This reveals your approach to life and travel. Are you a free spirit or a master organiser? It helps find someone with a complementary style.
    Good Answer Example: "I like a 70/30 split. Plan the big things (like the flight) but leave room for spontaneous adventures when we get there."
15. The Question: How important is your sex life to you?
    The Strategy: Sexual compatibility is vital. This is a direct way to filter for people who share your level of libido and value for physical intimacy.
    Good Answer Example: Be honest about its importance. An explanation could be: "It's a crucial part of a healthy, connected relationship for me."
16. The Question: Do you believe in a soul mate?
    The Strategy: This question speaks to your romantic ideals. Are you a starry-eyed romantic or a pragmatist?
    Good Answer Example: "I believe you can build a soul mate connection with someone through shared experiences, trust, and effort."
17. The Question: Could you date someone who was your intellectual inferior?
    The Strategy: A tricky question that can reveal arrogance if answered poorly. The best approach is to focus on curiosity and shared interests over raw "intelligence."
    Good Answer Example: "I'm more interested in someone who is curious and passionate about *something* than their IQ score."
18. The Question: What's your relationship with your exes?
    The Strategy: Show maturity. The best answer indicates that you've moved on respectfully and without drama.
    Good Answer Example: "We're on civil terms, but we don't really talk. I prefer to focus on the present and future."
19. The Question: Would you rather be weird or normal?
    The Strategy: "Normal" is boring. This question is a test to see if you have a personality. Embrace your quirks.
    Good Answer Example: "Weird, 100%. Normal is just a setting on a washing machine." This is one of the best ways to get some funny OkCupid answers on your profile.
20. The Question: How politically active are you?
    The Strategy: In today's climate, political alignment is a huge dealbreaker. Be clear about your level of engagement to find someone who matches your energy.
    Good Answer Example: "I stay informed and I vote, but I'm not at protests every weekend. I prefer calm discussions over shouting matches."
21. The Question: Is it okay for people in a relationship to have secrets?
    The Strategy: This is a question about trust and transparency. For most people seeking a healthy relationship, the answer is a firm "no."
    Good Answer Example: "Secrets, no. Surprises, yes. There's a big difference."
22. The Question: Are you more of an indoor or outdoor person?
    The Strategy: A simple lifestyle question that paints a picture of what a weekend with you would look like. It helps you find an activity partner.
    Good Answer Example: "I'm an outdoor person on Saturday and an indoor person on Sunday for recovery."
23. The Question: How important is it for you to have your own space in a relationship?
    The Strategy: This tests for codependence vs. independence. A healthy answer shows you value both togetherness and personal time.
    Good Answer Example: "Very important. I think the best relationships are built by two whole individuals, not two halves."
24. The Question: Would you strongly prefer to date someone of your own skin colour / racial background?
    The Strategy: Answer honestly. This is a powerful filter. Being clear about your preferences here is respectful to everyone on the app.
    Good Answer Example: Simply "Yes" or "No" is sufficient here. Mark it as important if it's a strong preference.
25. The Question: What are you looking for in a partner's sense of humour?
    The Strategy: This is more specific than just "humour." It lets you describe your comedic tastes. Do you like sarcasm, puns, or goofy humour? You could even link to some funny hinge prompts that you like.
    Good Answer Example: "Sarcastic, witty, and a little dark. If you can quote The Office or Parks and Rec, we'll get along just fine."

Red Flags: 5 Mistakes Men Make When Answering OkCupid Questions

Answering questions strategically is only half the battle. You also need to avoid the common pitfalls that can make a great profile look generic or unappealing. Many of these are common dating profile mistakes men make across all apps.

Here are five mistakes to watch out for:

1. The "I Don't Care" Trap. Skipping questions or leaving the importance set to the default "A Little Important" for everything makes you look passive. It tells the algorithm you're not serious and results in generic, low-percentage matches.
2. The "Trying to Please Everyone" Mistake. Giving neutral, middle-of-the-road answers to avoid offending anyone is the fastest way to become invisible. Strong opinions and clear preferences are attractive. They act as a filter. Don't be afraid to be polarising.
3. Being Too Negative or Cynical. Your answers reveal your mindset. If you're constantly complaining about exes, dating, or the world in general, it's a major red flag. Keep it positive and forward-looking.
4. Ignoring the Explanation Box. The multiple-choice answer is just the start. The real magic happens in the optional text box. It’s your chance to add context, show your personality, and provide a hook for a great conversation. Ignoring it is a huge missed opportunity.
5. Answering Only the Easy Questions. Dodging the big topics like politics, religion, or kids might seem safer, but it's a losing strategy. It just means you'll waste time matching with and talking to people who are fundamentally incompatible with you down the line.

Your Questions Are Answered-Now What?

So, you’ve optimised your answers. Your profile is now a finely tuned machine, programmed to attract exactly the right people. What’s next?

You use that information to your advantage. Stop sending boring messages like "hey." Instead, browse a match's profile, find an interesting question they answered, and use it as a personalised opener. Learning how to start a conversation with a girl is a skill, and OkCupid gives you all the material you need.

For example:

"I saw you're also a firm believer that pineapple belongs on pizza. I thought I was alone in this fight. We should team up and defend this noble cause."

See the difference? It's specific, shows you paid attention, and it's fun.

The Final Piece of the Puzzle: Your Photos

Here’s the crucial part. Your strategic answers get your profile seen by the right people. A 95% match score will pop your profile up in their feed.

But your photos determine if they actually swipe right.

A high match percentage is completely useless if your pictures are blurry, old, taken under fluorescent bathroom lighting, or feature you in a group of ten blokes. The psychology behind dating profile picture psychology shows that your first photo is the single most important element of your profile.

You've just invested all this time optimising your answers to attract quality matches-don't let your photos turn them away at the last second. This is where TinderProfile.ai comes in.

You need a portfolio of authentic, high-quality photos that reflect the amazing personality you've just showcased in your answers. But professional photo shoots are awkward and expensive. Selfie sessions rarely work out.

TinderProfile.ai is the dead-simple solution. Our AI is built exclusively for dating. It analyses your face and generates over 100 dating profile pictures of you in different styles, settings, and outfits. They look natural, confident, and approachable, not like stiff corporate headshots.

Just upload a few of your current photos and let our AI do the work. In minutes, you'll have an entire gallery of AI dating photos ready to upload. It's the final, essential piece to completing your high-performance OkCupid profile.

Stop Swiping, Start Connecting

You now have the complete playbook. It's time to stop treating OkCupid questions like a chore and start using them as the powerful tool they are. Be strategic. Focus on the key categories, be decisive with your dealbreakers, and use your answers to showcase your unique personality.

Take control of the algorithm. Then, seal the deal with photos that do you justice. Let your answers-and your pictures-do the hard work for you. You've got this.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Best OkCupid Questions to Answer

How many OkCupid questions should I answer?

Aim for quality over quantity. Answering 200-300 questions strategically is far more effective than answering 1,000 randomly. Focus on the five key categories: Dealbreakers, Relationship Intent, Intimacy, Personality, and Conversation Starters. Make sure to mark the most important ones as "Mandatory" or "Very Important."

Do my OkCupid answers really matter?

Yes, absolutely. They are the primary engine behind OkCupid's matching algorithm. Your answers, the answers you accept from others, and the importance you assign to each question directly determine your match percentage with other users. They are your best tool for filtering for compatibility.

What are some good OkCupid answers for men?

Good OkCupid answers for men are specific, show personality, and are often infused with humour. Instead of a one-word answer, use the explanation box. For example, on a question about being weird vs. normal, instead of just "Weird," say, "Weird, 100%. Normal is just a setting on the washing machine." This is more memorable and engaging.

Should I answer the intimacy questions on OkCupid?

Yes, if you're comfortable doing so. Answering questions about intimacy and your sex life is a very effective way to filter for sexual compatibility. It can feel personal, but being honest about your needs and desires helps you match with people who are on the same page, which is crucial for a successful long-term relationship.