Myers-Briggs (MBTI) Rarity Chart: The 16 Personality Types Ranked
Have you ever wondered how common your personality type is? The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one of the most popular psychological frameworks in the world, categorizing individuals into 16 distinct personality profiles. While some types are found everywhere you look, others are incredibly scarce. Below is the comprehensive MBTI Rarity Chart, ranking all 16 personality types from the absolute rarest to the most common in the general population.
Visual MBTI Rarity Bar Chart
This chart visualizes the distribution of Myers-Briggs personality types across the global population. Notice the stark contrast between the rarest intuitive types (like the INFJ and ENTJ) and the most common sensing types (like the ISFJ).
The 16 Personality Types Ranked by Rarity
Here is the exact breakdown of how rare each Myers-Briggs personality type is, ranked from the most scarce to the most abundant. (Note: "1 in X" figures are rounded to the nearest whole number based on average population data).
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1. INFJ (The Advocate) 1.5% | 1 in 66 people
The rarest personality type in the world. INFJs are quiet, mystical, yet highly inspiring and tireless idealists.
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2. ENTJ (The Commander) 1.8% | 1 in 55 people
Bold, imaginative, and strong-willed leaders, always finding a way—or making one.
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3. INTJ (The Architect) 2.1% | 1 in 47 people
Imaginative and strategic thinkers with a plan for absolutely everything.
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4. ENFJ (The Protagonist) 2.5% | 1 in 40 people
Charismatic and inspiring leaders, able to mesmerize their listeners.
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5. ENTP (The Debater) 3.2% | 1 in 31 people
Smart and curious thinkers who cannot resist an intellectual challenge.
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6. INTP (The Logician) 3.3% | 1 in 30 people
Innovative inventors with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
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7. ESTP (The Entrepreneur) 4.3% | 1 in 23 people
Smart, energetic, and very perceptive people, who truly enjoy living on the edge.
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8. INFP (The Mediator) 4.4% | 1 in 22 people
Poetic, kind, and altruistic people, always eager to help a good cause.
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9. ISTP (The Virtuoso) 5.4% | 1 in 18 people
Bold and practical experimenters, masters of all kinds of tools.
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10. ENFP (The Campaigner) 8.1% | 1 in 12 people
Enthusiastic, creative, and sociable free spirits, who can always find a reason to smile.
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11. ESFP (The Entertainer) 8.5% | 1 in 11 people
Spontaneous, energetic, and enthusiastic people—life is never boring around them.
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12. ESTJ (The Executive) 8.7% | 1 in 11 people
Excellent administrators, unsurpassed at managing things or people.
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13. ISFP (The Adventurer) 8.8% | 1 in 11 people
Flexible and charming artists, always ready to explore and experience something new.
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14. ISTJ (The Logistician) 11.6% | 1 in 8 people
Practical and fact-minded individuals, whose reliability cannot be doubted.
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15. ESFJ (The Consul) 12.3% | 1 in 8 people
Extraordinarily caring, social, and popular people, always eager to help.
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16. ISFJ (The Defender) 13.8% | 1 in 7 people
The most common personality type. Very dedicated and warm protectors, always ready to defend their loved ones.
Beyond the Chart: What Influences MBTI Rarity?
The "Intuition" Factor
When analyzing MBTI population statistics, a clear pattern emerges: the rarest personality types consistently possess the Intuitive (N) preference over the Sensing (S) preference. Intuitive types make up roughly 25-30% of the population. Because modern society leans heavily on concrete facts, established traditions, and practical skills (Sensing traits), intuitive types—who prefer abstract concepts, future possibilities, and theoretical thinking—are naturally less common.
Gender Differences in MBTI
It's important to note that personality rarity changes depending on gender. For example, while the INFJ is the rarest type overall, the INTJ is actually the rarest personality type among women (making up less than 1% of the female population). Conversely, the ENFJ and INFJ are the rarest personality types among men.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the INFJ still the rarest personality type?
Yes, based on the most recent global data samples provided by the Myers & Briggs Foundation, the INFJ remains the rarest personality type, making up approximately 1.5% of the general population.
What is the most common personality type?
The ISFJ (The Defender) is widely considered the most common Myers-Briggs personality type, making up nearly 14% of the population. Following closely behind is the ESFJ.
Does having a rare personality type mean I am smarter?
No. Rarity does not equal intelligence, success, or superiority. The MBTI simply measures cognitive preferences—how you take in information and make decisions. Every single personality type has unique strengths and highly intelligent individuals within it.
Can your MBTI personality type change over time?
According to Myers-Briggs theory, your core personality type remains the same throughout your life. However, how you express your traits can evolve as you mature, develop your weaker cognitive functions, and adapt to your environment.
