I expected some magnification, but not as much as was offered by this tiny pocket microscope. I opened one to see what they could do before giving them to kids in the family. I could see sweat droplets on my skin once I figured out how to adjust the lens to see clearly. That led to other fun discoveries with different fabric types and a leaf. However, unless you want the nasty truth revealed, do not look at your area rug or doormats with this! To be fair, a science experiment in housekeeping ensued in which the carpet was cleaned and the nastiness level impressively reduced.
The kids who got these as a stocking stuffer are 5 and 8 and they figured them out quickly as well. Their dad and mom also appreciated how well they work at every level of magnification.
Overall, I'd give it a 4.8 since it takes a bit of playing with it initially to figure out how to coordinate your eye with the eyepiece for the best field of vision, but beyond that learning curve, this is a great science tool for kids and a (mostly) fun experience for adults who like exploring with their kids.