Enneagram Types

Enneagram types define behaviors, personalities, and development. Knowing your type can define the way you see and act in the world—it’s more important than you think.

What are the Enneagram Types?

The Enneagram describes nine core personality types. Each type represents a different way of thinking, feeling, and relating to the world. Your Enneagram types can help you understand your main motivations, your fears, and the habits that guide your daily life. Some people recognize their type right away when they read the descriptions, while others discover it by taking a test or reflecting over time.

Learning about the nine types is not about putting yourself in a box. Instead, it is about giving you a map that explains why you react the way you do and how you can grow. Many people find the Enneagram helpful for improving relationships, managing stress, and connecting more deeply with themselves.

The nine enneagram types

The Enneagram describes nine personality types. Each type has its own strengths, challenges, and core motivations. Each type can be a powerful resource for self-understanding. Once you see yourself in one of these descriptions, you may start to notice patterns that explain how you move through life.  Here is a simple overview to help you get a first impression of them:

Type 1 – The Perfectionist (Reformer):

Focused on doing things right, guided by principles and a strong sense of responsibility.

Type 2 – The Helper:

Warm, caring, and generous. Motivated by the need to feel loved and useful to others.

Type 3 – The Achiever:

Energetic and goal-oriented. Values success, efficiency, and recognition.

Type 4 – The Individualist:

Creative, sensitive, and authentic. Seeks meaning and identity through deep emotions.

Type 5 – The Investigator:

Curious, thoughtful, and independent. Loves to understand how things work and values privacy.

Type 6 – The Loyalist:

Responsible and committed. Seeks security and tends to prepare for possible risks.

Type 7 – The Enthusiast:

Fun-loving, optimistic, and spontaneous. Always looking for new experiences and possibilities.

Type 8 – The Challenger:

Strong, direct, and protective. Values control and stands up for themselves and others.

Type 9 – The Peacemaker:

Easygoing, patient, and supportive. Seeks harmony and avoids conflict when possible.

How do I know my Enneagram type?

There are a few ways to discover your Enneagram types. The most common one is to take a reliable Enneagram test. A good test will give you instant results and point you toward the type that best matches your personality. Here is our Fast Enneagram Test:

Another way is through self-reflection. You can read the descriptions of all nine types and notice which one feels the most familiar. Often, one or two types will stand out because they describe your deepest motivations, not just your surface behaviors.

Talking about the Enneagram with a coach, therapist, or trusted friend can also help. Sometimes others can see patterns that are harder for us to notice on our own. Finding your type is not about rushing to a quick label. It’s a process of curiosity and honesty. Once you discover your type, you gain a tool that can guide your growth and improve your relationships.