My Quick and Easy-ish Method to Discover Anyone’s Enneagram Type!

Discovering your own or someone else’s Enneagram type can be complicated despite the fact that there are only 9 types. If you take into account that every type has a wing, then there are 18 types. Technically by some accounts there are 27 types, but let’s not get into that here!

The Enneagram also isn’t as straightforward as the MBTI, because the MBTI tells you how you are while the Enneagram explains your why.

Though there are tests, the best recommendations say to explore the types yourself and see which one you resonate with the most. Theories on personality explain that we can have attributes of multiple types, but there’s usually one dominant one that most reflects who we are.

So, how do I type people for the Enneagram? There is a cheat sheet at the end of this post, or we can start with a basic question:

Question 1: Is this person generally more assertive or passive?

If you noticed, I didn’t include Types 1, 5, and 6 because they end up somewhere in the middle, but I would say all 3 of these types lean more passive than assertive in outgoing settings, but can be assertive with more personal relationships.

From here, my next questions are based on how the first one was answered.

Question 2A: If this person is assertive, then ask do they struggle with needing to be in control often?

If the answer is yes, then you will have a Type 8 or Type 3, the most assertive and controlling types. You can see the differences below.

If this person is assertive, but not controlling, you will most likely have a Type 7.

Question 2B: If this person leans toward passivity, then ask if they are feeling or rational-based?

The types most in touch with their feelings are Types 2 and 4.

The more rational and pragmatic types are Types 5 and 6.

Question 3: Maybe you’re unsure if they are highly emotional, rational, passive, or assertive. Then you can ask, are they usually easy-going, but sometimes very stubborn?

You may have a Type 9 or Type 1.

Please note that these questions are a guide, and may not take you to the correct type. The Enneagram is tricky because when we are at our best or worst, we may look like other types.

It can get a little confusing, but the best way to type someone for the Enneagram is to learn the basic motivations and fears of all nine types. This is what helps me spot someone pretty instantly.

You can find more information on the types on my Enneagram page, but here’s my cheat sheet for how to spot each type if you are still unsure after asking the questions.

Healthy: Strong morals, values, principles Unhealthy: Very critical of self and others; perfectionistic	Type 1
Healthy: Nurturing, giving, good at spotting needs of others Unhealthy: Complains a lot, people-pleasing, and full of self-pity	Type 2
Healthy: Go-getter, energetic, charming Unhealthy: Controlling, arrogant, and vain	Type 3
Healthy: Creative, highly introspective and expressive Unhealthy: Envious of others, melancholy dreamer, and self-indulgent	Type 4
Healthy: Insightful, knowledgeable, and dependable Unhealthy: Detached, antagonistic, and isolated	Type 5
Healthy: Supportive, loyal, and reliable Unhealthy: Anxious, suspicious, and pessimistic	Type 6
Healthy: Fun, energetic, jack-of-all-trades Unhealthy: Impulsive, reactive, and blames others	Type 7
Healthy: Confident, resourceful, and passionate Unhealthy: Highly combative, domineering, and ruthless	Type 8
Healthy: Easygoing, open-minded, and understanding Unhealthy: Defensive, stubborn, and passive-aggressive	Type 9

My goal for you is to not memorize all the types and learn all about them (though you are welcome to do so). My hope is that you’ll be able to spot yourself and those around you from this cheat sheet and/or through the questions above.

You don’t need to understand everyone, but I hope this starts you on a path to get a better understanding of the important ones – yourself and those you care about.