Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a digital intelligence quotient (DIQ) scale questionnaire that encompasses the digital identity, digital use, digital safety, digital security, digital emotional intelligence, digital communication, digital literacy and digital rights. Design/methodology/approach DIQ research was conducted in two phases to develop an assessment scale. First, 33 questions were developed based on previous DIQ concepts and theories. These questions were then validated using exploratory factor analysis into eight dimensions as digital identity, digital use, digital safety, digital security, digital emotional intelligence, digital communication, digital literacy and digital rights. A survey was conducted comprising 409 admins and clerks in SMEs. Second, confirmatory factor analysis and convergent validity were tested along the eight digital dimensions. Findings This study extended the DIQ concept to provide theoretical contribution for DIQ with intelligence study. Eight dimensions were developed to measure DIQ, including aspects of digital identity, digital use, digital safety, digital security, digital emotional intelligence, digital communication, digital literacy and digital rights. Research limitations/implications The DIQ questionnaire was a single-source, self-assessed data collection, as the sample included only employees of SMEs in Thailand. Results showed a good fit but require further refinement and validation using a larger sample size and various supplementary sampling contexts. Practical implications The eight DIQ dimensions and questionnaire results will assist organisations and supervisors to focus on employees’ DIQ using both work and lifestyle parameters. This knowledge will help supervisors to encourage employees to increase their DIQ for more effective usage of digital literacy. Researchers and academics will be able to apply this instrument in future studies. Originality/value The DIQ questionnaire is a new instrument which comprehensively explores relevant dimensions to increase employee understanding of digital identity, digital use, digital safety, digital security, digital emotional intelligence, digital communication, digital literacy and digital rights.