How INTJ Enneagram Types Differ

INTJ Enneagram Types blog cover

If you’ve found this blog post, you probably already know which of the 16 personality types you are. But do you know your Enneagram type? If not, you should definitely check it out – there’s a lot of valuable information to be gleaned from this personality theory.

But even if you’re already familiar with the Enneagram, did you know that there’s a correlation between the 16 personality types and Enneagram?

While the 16 personalities model is more focused on how we interact with the world around us, the Enneagram framework delves deeper into our underlying motivations and basic fears.

So when you combine your 16 personalities type and your Enneagram type, you can get some even deeper insights into why you make decisions the way that you do or why you behave in certain ways.

Today, we’re going to take a look at how INTJs relate to each of the nine Enneagram types. Keep reading for insights and tips on how to better understand yourself and others.

Which Enneagram types are most common among INTJs?

According to a study conducted by Thought Catalog, the most common Enneagram type among INTJs is Enneagram 5. This isn’t too surprising. Enneagram 1s are principled and have a strong sense of right and wrong. Enneagram 5s are introspective, cerebral, and analytical. They often make very calculated decisions. These are the kind of INTJs who are always exploring new ideas and theories.

INTJ Enneagram pie chart

The second most common Enneagram type for INTJs is Enneagram 1. Again, this isn’t a surprise. Enneagram 1s are principled and perfectionistic. They work hard and aim to live up to their own high standards. These are the kind of INTJs who are always striving for improvement.

Anyway, let’s save some thoughts for later on in the post.

How each Enneagram type manifests in INTJs

Let’s now take a look at how INTJs differ depending on their Enneagram type.

INTJ Enneagram 1

This is the second most common Enneagram type for an INTJ. INTJs who identify as Enneagram 1 are even more of a perfectionist than your typical INTJ. They’re logical and level-headed, but they also have a strong sense of right and wrong. In addition, they tend to think through decisions very carefully. They want to be seen as ‘good’ people, and they are deeply dedicated.

INTJ Enneagram 1s are the type of people who are always striving for the best. They are exceptionally dedicated, and they’re some of the hardest workers out there. In addition, they have a strong sense of self-control and are highly conscientious.

People of this type naturally pick up on inconsistencies and often have the desire to point them out or fix them. However, INTJ Enneagram 1s are often hard on themselves and can benefit from learning to relax and go with the flow.

INTJ Enneagram 2

INTJ Enneagram 2

INTJs who identify as Enneagram 2 are more people-oriented and have a softer edge than your typical INTJ. While most INTJs enjoy spending time alone and tend to keep themselves to themselves, they can be quite critical. However, this is a rare Enneagram type for an INTJ.

INTJ Enneagram 2s have a more caring side. They’re always looking out for their loved ones, and they’re quick to lend a helping hand. While they might not be nurturing in a warm, stereotypical sense, they are highly intuitive, and they use this skill to pick up on other people’s needs. This comes from a place of genuinely wanting to help.

In general, INTJs are known for their consistency, reliability, and trustworthiness. These traits are even more accentuated in INTJ Enneagram 2s. They take pride in being someone who can be counted on. However, INTJ Enneagram 2s can be manipulative at times.

INTJ Enneagram 3

INTJs who identify as Enneagram 3 are more driven and ambitious than your typical INTJ. They’re always striving to be the best, and they can be quite competitive. INTJ Enneagram 3s tend to be more comfortable in social situations. They’re the kind of people who can be very convincing when they want to be.  

INTJ Enneagram 3s are quick thinkers, and they’re always looking for ways to improve. They’re never satisfied with mediocrity, and they push themselves to their limits. At times, they can be quite ruthless in their pursuit of success. They are natural leaders and are often very talented managers. INTJ Enneagram 3s have more of a need to be out there doing things compared to your typical INTJ.

In general, INTJs are good at reading between the lines. They use this ability to pick up on social dynamics and they can be very persuasive. In addition, they are highly aware of people’s perceptions of them. This means that they can be quite image-conscious and concerned about what others think of them.

INTJ Enneagram 4

INTJ Enneagram 4s are more introspective and sensitive than your typical INTJ. They’re also more self-aware and in touch with their emotions, which isn’t something that comes naturally to most INTJs. Even INTJ Enneagram 4s can struggle with this to some extent. It’s a rare Enneagram type for an INTJ.

Most INTJs are happy being alone, and they don’t tend to overthink whether the world ‘gets’ them. However, INTJ Enneagram 4s can feel misunderstood, and they sometimes live with a sense of being ‘different’. They have a desire for self-expression and might find themselves drawn to the arts. This ties in with the fact that they are often more creative than your typical INTJ.

INTJ Enneagram 4s tend to be slightly more individualistic, which isn’t seen in many INTJ Enneagram types. People of this type often have a good understanding of human nature, and they can be quite perceptive when it comes to other people’s emotions. However, their heightened awareness of their own emotions can make them susceptible to depression and anxiety. 

INTJ Enneagram 5

This is the most common Enneagram type for INTJs. INTJ Enneagram 5s are your typical strategic, cerebral INTJ. They’re highly intelligent, and they love to learn new things. In addition, they like to analyze all of the facts before making a decision. This is something that you see in all INTJs, but it’s even more evident in INTJ Enneagram 5s.

People of this type are also very independent and self-sufficient. In fact, INTJ Enneagram 5s are some of the most independent people out there, and they tend to find socializing draining. They need a lot of alone time to themselves so they can think and process information. INTJ Enneagram 5s are often exceptional problem-solvers, and they have the ability to stay calm in a crisis.

Analytical

INTJs are known for being thorough, and INTJ Enneagram 5s can take this to a whole new level. They are excellent at analyzing information and data. In addition, they’re quick to notice inconsistencies that others might miss. However, they can be arrogant and condescending when they think they are right.

INTJ Enneagram 6

INTJ Enneagram 6s tend to be more anxious and uncertain than your typical INTJ. Most INTJs tend to take a calculated and careful approach to life. However, INTJ Enneagram 6s are even more cautious and risk-averse when it comes to making decisions and trying new things.

INTJ Enneagram 6s are very loyal and protective of their loved ones. They’re the kind of people who would do anything for their family and friends. In fact, people of this type value loyalty above all else. In general, INTJs take pride in sticking to their word, and INTJ Enneagram 6s take this even more seriously. You can always count on them to follow through.

People of this type like to plan for multiple scenarios because they are very focused on safety and security. Fortunately, they have a natural ability to imagine different ways a situation might play in the future. However, they can need reassurance from others at times. They can also be prone to paranoia and worry. This means that they can be quite pessimistic.

INTJ Enneagram 7

This is a rare Enneagram type for INTJs. INTJ Enneagram 7s are more enthusiastic and open to new experiences than your typical INTJ. They enjoy starting new projects. While a lot of INTJs can find it hard to relax, INTJ Enneagram 7s don’t have as much of a problem with this.

People of this type like to explore, and they are willing to experiment. In addition, they are more comfortable pushing boundaries, but they will stick to the rules! They don’t always think through decisions as carefully as your typical INTJ. However, they are still sensible and thorough in the big scheme of things.

INTJs are known for their linear thought process, but Enneagram 7s have a slightly more scattered approach. They are more likely to have multiple projects on the go. This can make them seem a little chaotic from the outside, but they are actually very organized, and there is usually a method to their madness. People of this type often have a number of goals that they’re working towards at a given time.

INTJ Enneagram 8

INTJ Enneagram 8s are more ambitious and competitive. They have a more assertive and direct manner. However, they tend to have a quiet confidence rather than an overly aggressive demeanor. They have a tougher edge than other INTJs.

INTJ Enneagram 8s are more comfortable in leadership positions. In addition, they are natural managers, and they like to work in environments where there is a clear hierarchy. While most INTJs are goal-oriented, INTJ Enneagram 8s are especially so. They’re always looking for ways to get ahead, and they’re very driven.

However, their competitive nature can sometimes make them seem arrogant, and they can have a hard time losing. In addition, their drive to succeed can lead them to be ruthless at times. But INTJ Enneagram 8s are also quick-thinkers, and they’re very good at problem-solving on the fly.

INTJ Enneagram 9

INTJ Enneagram 9s are more easy-going and agreeable than your typical INTJ. They’re peacemakers who strive to maintain harmony. In addition, they’re more comfortable letting others take the lead.

People of this type tend to be more patient and willing to compromise. While INTJs aren’t known for being easy-going, INTJ Enneagram 9s are the most adaptable of all the INTJ Enneagram types. However, INTJ Enneagram 9s can still be very resistant to change because they can view it as a disruption to harmony.

INTJs tend to be reserved and calm. These traits are even more evident in INTJ Enneagram 9s. They are better able to read people, and they use these skills to mediate conflict when necessary. Ultimately, they like to maintain a sense of peace. As a result, they tend to be more diplomatic when resolving conflict.

Nuances between INTJ Enneagram types

So there you have it, the nuances between INTJs of different Enneagram types. While we have focused on the differences in this post, it’s important to remember that you’re still an INTJ, first and foremost.

This means that you are strategic and intellectual. There’s a good chance that you’ll also be logical, forward-thinking, and innovative. However, your exact Enneagram type will play a role in how specific traits are expressed.

Particularly if you’re one of the less common INTJ Enneagram types, we hope this post has provided insight into why you might not fit the stereotype of an INTJ.

Final thoughts on INTJ Enneagram types

If you enjoyed this post, you might also like How ENTJ Enneagram Types Differ. Finally, if you liked this post, share it with friends so they can better understand the differences between the INTJ Enneagram types.

“Matching people using personality types is such a simple and powerful concept. So Syncd helped us find love, even in this difficult time. You’ve really changed our lives. In fact, we’re now married! Thank you.”

– Ben (INFJ) about Indy (ENFJ)

Go to store Get your personality compatibility report