In recent years, the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) has become a very popular personality metric. Isabel Myers created this model based on the cognitive functions developed by renowned psychiatrist Carl Gustav Jung. Many skeptics doubt the validity of the MBTI, but Jung’s research has proven this metric’s effectiveness across clinical psychology and later studies have proved its usefulness in both career counseling and education. At the very least, the MBTI helps us get to know ourselves and those around us just a little bit better!

For those unfamiliar with the MBTI: Each person has an MBTI, which is a 4-letter code that reveals key components of your identity. The first letter reports whether you are an introvert (I) or an extrovert (E). The second letter states whether you are a sensor (S) or an intuitive (N). (Sensors tend to be more down-to-Earth, while intuitives live in a world of possibility. For a more in-depth description, check out this site: https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/sensing-or-intuition.htm)

The third letter reveals whether you are a thinker (T) or a feeler (F), and the fourth states whether you are judging (J) or perceiving (P). (Judgers tend to be more orderly than perceivers in most cases. For more information, visit this site: https://www.myersbriggs.org/my-mbti-personality-type/mbti-basics/judging-or-perceiving.htm)

Inaccuracies in MBTI typing often arise because people type themselves letter-by-letter when the types are actually based upon the Jungian functions. For example, an ENFP and an ENFJ may believe that they are just “one letter apart,” but they actually have completely different function stacks. In this article, I describe each type, but in a later article, I may explain each function stack in detail.

The main issue that arises with MBTI is not the unreliability of the method itself but of the tests currently in circulation. Authentic MBTI questionnaires can be hundreds of questions long! Common free alternatives, such as the test on 16personalities.com, are not very accurate and lead to misconceptions about this personality metric. Thus, I am here today to help you discover your MBTI once and for all! All of the following descriptions are based upon the original Jungian functions (as in Carl Jung’s actual descriptions of the cognitive functions), but they are not all-encompassing. In other words, the descriptions are typical of a given type, and you may not completely relate to each part. Without further ado, let the typing begin!

1. ISTJ (Introverted-sensing-thinking-judging)

You appear fairly stoic and difficult to read. People may find you intimidating and detached from the shenanigans of your peers. However, on the inside, you have many keen interests and are determined to try your best at causes that you feel are worthwhile. For the people that know you the best, you are sensible and caring. You have strict guidelines for both yourself and others, but you generally do not force them upon others (though sometimes you might). You are focused and uninterested in drama. You are meticulous and analytical. You may have an above-average memory and tend to remember smaller details over the big picture. You make better sense of set steps than a free-form approach. Your mindset is based on an objective analysis of all that you sense, thus making you a realist (that may sometimes border pessimism).

Some famous ISTJs include Kendall Jenner and Natalie Portman.

2. ESTJ (Extraverted-sensing-thinking-judging)

You have a practically unshakable sense of principle and strictly adhere to rules and regulations (unlike ENTJs). Your thoughts are based on the world as it is, not as it could be. You are generally not subjective and thus make a fair leader, but you are not typically viewed as understanding of extenuating circumstances. Unlike an ISTJ, you are more outspoken. You despise melodrama and wish that everyone in the world enacted more logic into their decision-making. There is no room for nonsense, as far as you are concerned. You are deeply devoted to your efforts, often going above and beyond your peers, all the while remaining “inside the box.” You follow established methods during your rise to greater positions, not interested in shortcuts or risky paths with promises of greater success.

Some well-known ESTJs include Hermione Granger and Hillary Clinton.

3. ISFJ (Introverted-sensing-feeling-judging)

You are a fairly mellow and well-mannered person who aims to be socially acceptable. You will likely not say something if you feel that it will cause disharmony and avoid confrontation in most cases. You abide by the standards set for you; this is how you earn fulfillment. You see things as they are, not as they could be. You may be slightly more traditional than the average person (however traditional is defined in your community). You base your decision-making and thought process on past experience. If something has happened before, you expect it to happen again (slight pessimism). This can lead to some limitations in your point of view. Despite these limitations, you support your loved ones through their endeavors and are an amazing friend. You get along well with most people because you don’t impose your beliefs on others. Though you may be a social chameleon at times, you remain loyal to the causes that you believe in—standing up for these causes constitute the rare cases in which you are confrontational.

Ed Sheeran, Rory Gilmore, and Bob Ross are three well-known ISFJs.

4. ESFJ (Extraverted-sensing-feeling-judging)

You have a lot of friends, though they may not all be super deep individuals. This is because you enjoy speaking with multiple different people and hope to see a familiar face wherever you go. You care very much about others’ opinions of you, and this can cause problems in your life. You may go out of your way to fit into groups, sometimes at the expense of your own happiness. On a brighter note, you are very likable, and your presence is always felt in the room. You tend to get along with many people. You are more of a realist, likely with a very vivid memory. You tend to remember dates and particular details over the big picture. You may be a great caretaker for others. You think a lot about the various parts of your life but may struggle to come to a conclusion and often seek advice from trusted figures in your life. You may accept advice too often, even if it is not the greatest.

Some famous ESFJs include Taylor Swift and Ariana Grande.

5. INFJ (Introverted-intuitive-feeling-judging)

You are extremely observant and more interested in others’ lives than most people. You know a lot more about people than they know about you. You are fairly quiet but still maintain a presence in the room. There is order to your chaos (most of the time). You have deeply embedded principles that define who you are as a person. These principles may also make you quite stubborn. You overthink a lot, which drains your energy. Unlike an INFP, your morals are dependent on your community. You will adhere to expectations out of the fear of disappointing others. You understand people well but feel that they do not understand you. Your mind is constantly racing with “what-ifs” and ideas of the future—this often makes INFJs slightly more optimistic than ISFJs because they can see the light at the end of the tunnel when ISFJs focus on the current darkness of the tunnel. You may go through periods of intense isolation and scrutiny when you become dark and cynical, but you overcome these feelings. You are socially acceptable and derive satisfaction from helping others. You may go through obsessive phases.

Famous INFJs include Gandhi and Carl Jung.

6. ENFJ (Extraverted-intuitive-feeling-judging)

You base your values on what will bring the most harmony to the group as a whole. As a result, you may sacrifice your own contentment if it means that crisis will be averted for the community as a whole (such as in your family or friend group). You are very interested in the lives of other people and love gossiping, not to spread rumors, but to learn about what everyone else is up to. You form your own opinions on others based on a wide variety of factors, mainly surrounding their character. You likely have an interest in psychology that exceeds that of the average person and can read rooms very well. In situations, you easily see multiple perspectives that others may struggle to consider, and you are quick to devise solutions because of this. You have an unparalleled sense of empathy in most situations and are among the best advice-givers (people have often told you this before). A lot of people look up to you due to your charismatic and charming personality, but you may get caught up in delusion at times (often due to stubbornness).

Some well-known ENFJs include Zendaya and Harry Styles.

7. INTJ (Introverted-intuitive-thinking-judging)

You are highly analytical and live in your own internal world of logical connection. You may come off as harsh or very serious but are deeply passionate about the pursuit of knowledge. You have fully internalized morals and do not care about social courtesies. You are not a risky person overall and are not a huge fan of surprises. You see many possibilities in the world, unlike an ISTJ. You see things as they are, but you also see their potential. You reflect on everything and likely overthink more than ISTJ as well. You may understand a concept almost immediately without an immediate application of logic. You don’t have the time or energy to deal with people’s unnecessary whining. Unlike others, you do not try your best to comfort people when you don’t understand their issues. You are extremely authentic because you are unafraid of others’ perceptions of you. You do not care too much about externally enforced rules or regulations and live by your own standards.

Two well-known INTJs include Nietzsche and Mark Zuckerberg.

8. ENTJ (Extraverted-intuitive-thinking-judging)

You make your thoughts known, and the reactions of others are of minimal importance to you. You naturally gravitate toward leadership positions where you can use your honesty and clear planning abilities to achieve the goal. Unlike ESTJs, ENTJs do not grant much importance to rules and regulations. You base your actions on facts, and some rules do not fit this description. You may lack patience for other people who cannot understand where you are coming from because you don’t generally struggle with understanding. You have great mastermind potential because you use your knowledge of how others work to contrive plans. You do not submit to authority, which you find highly arbitrary. You are a deeply ambitious person with high expectations for yourself and others. You may often find yourself disappointed for this reason. You see possibilities in the world beyond all that currently exists, and you try to reach your fullest potential. You do not shy away from challenges and instead, embrace them. You appear to have great confidence, which may not always be true. To outsiders, you appear more cold-hearted than you actually are. Once people get to know you, they see that you are a deeply understanding person with strong principles and valuable insights.

Famous ENTJs include Steve Jobs and Adele.

9. ISTP (Introverted-sensing-thinking-perceiving)

You are fairly quiet in unfamiliar group settings but loud around your closer circle. You enjoy experiencing things for yourself and are likely fond of risks. You are not one to ruminate and have the philosophy of “action over all else” when it comes to most decisions. You will often go out of your way to take things apart, just to see how they work. This innate curiosity, coupled with an affinity for action, can lead to great innovation and more practical solutions. You immediately get to work, unlike an INTP who will spend the same time thinking about the problem. Though you are proactive, your emphasis on “doing” over “planning” can sometimes lead to trouble. You likely have strong spacial awareness, which can translate to agility in sports, navigation, and problem-solving.

Some famous ISTPs include Kendall Jenner and Sherlock Holmes.

10. ESTP (Extraverted-sensing-thinking-perceiving)

You live for action and love fast-paced environments. You constantly seek stimulation, often taking part in activities that others may consider risky. You exhibit strong spacial awareness and coordination. You likely come across as charming and entertaining. When you enter the room, everyone knows it. You like to make your voice heard and do not take life very deeply. When you come across challenges, you do not let them consume you and try to come up with a simple solution. Many people probably know your name, but you do not have many close friends (possibly one or two). You don’t understand why people overcomplicate everything. You often serve as a sensible voice for your family and friends, as you help them stop overthinking.

Some famous ESTPs include Angelina Jolie and Emma Chamberlain.

11. ISFP (Introverted-sensing-feeling-perceiving)

You often give people the benefit of the doubt and try to see the best in them. You are a creative and individualistic individual with internalized morals. You enjoy adventure and often have extroverted friends. You like to try new things, even if they pose some risk. You may be naive at times and fall victim to others’ lies. You care a lot about your loved ones to the point that you will defend them even if they are in the wrong. You are not too judgmental and have a very open mind. For this reason, you give everyone chances and get to know them, even if others have negative perceptions of them. You value creation and the pursuit of artistry over mindlessly objective tasks. Unlike an INFP, you live less in your head and interact with the world around you. While an INFP may form grandiose visions in their head, you spend your energy trying to convert these visions into your reality. You are a sensitive person who treats others with kindness and respect until you feel that they have wronged you or overstepped your boundaries.

Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, and Lana Del Rey are three well-known ISFPs.

12. ESFP (Extraverted-sensing-feeling-perceiving)

You are a fun-loving person with a bright persona! You may make decisions on a whim, based on your own internalized morals, not those imposed on you by society. You enjoy adventures and venturing out of your comfort zone, though you will be more likely to if your friends join you. You are easily bored by life’s technicalities and wish you could simply spend time doing what makes you happy. You do not enjoy living by other people’s rules. You may be overdramatic at times but are generally sensible. You deeply care about the people around you, especially your friends (more than the average person). You love talking to people and are usually a great contributor to conversations. You seek entertainment, sometimes at the expense of productivity.

Some well-known ESFPs include Nicki Minaj and Miley Cyrus.

13. INFP (Introverted-intuitive-feeling-perceiving)

Your morals are internally fostered and likely diverge from those of your community. This means that you will have no problem rejecting popular opinions in pursuit of your own beliefs (Disney character moment). You are very interested in certain aspects of pop culture and are likely to be part of a fandom for this reason. However, unlike an INTP, your interests are more emotionally rooted (and thus tend to last longer). You may come off as timid when surrounded by people you do not know too well, but your close friends know you as a lively individual with a lot to say. You are more of an idealist than a realist and may live in your own world (which you much prefer over the actual world). You also get along with many people, but, unlike an ISFJ, are less likely to initiate the conversation. You may have vivid memories from prior stages of your life and may think that wholly objective thinking is too impersonal and overrated. Assuming the role of a leader is likely a challenge, especially amongst strangers.

Vincent van Goh and Audrey Hepburn are two renowned INFPs.

14. ENFP (Extraverted-intuitive-feeling-perceiving)

You are very involved in your community (whether it be with friends, at school, or at work). You follow your heart, unlike an ENTP who follows their internalized logic. Even if those around you disagree with what you are doing, you will continue doing what you feel is right. You likely have a lot of knowledge about what is going on, whether it be in pop culture or world affairs – you love to be caught up and know what’s going on. You are generally enthusiastic with a strong sense of self. You are not afraid to express yourself, whether it be through an eccentric sense of style or unconventional humor. You have grand visions and are not afraid to pursue your own path, regardless of what others say. You do not feel the urge to conform and are rather independent, both in thought and action.

Two well-known ENFPs are Rapunzel and Lorelai Gilmore.

15. INTP (Introverted-intuitive-thinking-perceiving)

Nine times out of ten, there is no order in your chaos, but that one time just may change the world (just ask fellow INTP Albert Einstein). You likely understand concepts differently than most people, randomly coming to an answer instead of following the recommended steps. You like to try new methods and explore unfamiliar ideas. You tend to ask a lot of questions (a lot) to feed your understanding. Among other introverts, you are louder and more outspoken, but you are likely quieter in larger crowds, especially when extroverts are present. You are interested in many fields that you likely spend hours researching. Meticulous work likely bores you or otherwise frustrates you because you feel there is not enough room for experimentation and discovery. You have your own internal database of information that you constantly add and recall from. If a new piece of information does not match, you may reject it, leading to a degree of stubbornness.

Alongside Albert Einstein, some more renowned INTPs include Charles Darwin and Spencer Reid (Criminal Minds).

16. ENTP (Extraverted-intuitive-thinking-perceiving)

You thrive when submerged in new topics and are always up for a debate. Unlike INTPs, you do not shy away in the face of strangers. Instead, you make your voice heard. You are always up to date with news surrounding your interests and likely sputter random facts across multiple fields. You have a breadth of knowledge that many find impressive, but you couldn’t imagine living life any other way. You are up for an adventure, any chance to discover something new. You do not live in your head, which is the key difference between you and an INTP. You have a subjective method of thinking based on your own internalized logic system. Thus, it can sometimes be difficult for you to accept new ideas that clash with your pre-existing notions. You will need a fair amount of evidence before you are convinced. You enjoy being surrounded by a group of people, especially those that share the same interests as you.

Famous ENTPs include Fred and George Weasley and Benjamin Franklin.