If you’ve ever had trouble understanding why an INTP or INTJ behaves in a certain way, or you’re looking for an INTP vs INTJ test to answer the question: ‘Am I INTP or INTJ’ then, believe me, you’re not alone.
Many people struggle to understand what sets the two personality types apart since at first inspection they both seem similar, after all, these two are both called the ‘intuitive thinkers’
With some knowledge and awareness, you can begin to recognize the differences between an INTP and an INTJ quickly and easily.
That’s why in this article, we’ll do a comparative analysis between these two types, based on their cognitive functions to help you learn how to spot the difference between an INTJ and INTP to better identify your MBTI personality type.
Let’s start by taking a look at their cognitive function stacks
The INTP Function Stack
- Dominant introverted thinking (Ti)
- Auxiliary extraverted intuition (Ne)
- Tertiary introverted sensing (Si)
- Inferior extraverted feeling (Fe)
The INTJ Function Stack
- Dominant introverted intuition (Ni)
- Auxiliary extraverted thinking (Te)
- Tertiary introverted feeling (Fi)
- Inferior extraverted sensing (Se)
As you can see, even though they’re both introverts, intuitives and thinkers, the INTP and INTJ have no cognitive function in common and these functions determine their behavior.
9 Ways To Tell The Difference between INTP And INTJ
1. Guided by intuition and principles Vs what makes the most logical sense.
An INTJ’s main driving force is their introverted intuition (Ni) which tells them about themselves or other people.
The dominant function of the INTP is Introverted Thinking (Ti) which helps them to make what they see as ‘subjective decisions‘.
INTP’s are drawn to new ideas, concepts, and possibilities. They thrive on the development of their own potential to create change that they seek out meaning in everything.
On the other hand, INTJ’s are more focused on what they believe is objective truth. They seek out logic and order as a means to an end.
2. Focused on the big-picture Vs. details and specific tasks.
INTJ’s are driven by their dominant function of Ni, which helps them to see the “big picture” and perceive new possibilities.
INTJ’s’ main objective is to understand a system.
They prefer a macro overview rather than a detailed plan and they focus on the big picture more than the tiny details.
An INTP works best with specific tasks that they can complete in a systematic way, following the logical sequence of steps to get to the end.
3. Likes working solo Vs with a small team of people
INTJs are Introverts and enjoy spending time alone, working alone, and simply being alone.
They prefer to keep their private life private and don’t like having attention on them.
However, INTJ’s are capable of working with a team if they have to. They’ll stick to the rules and be as supportive as they can but their ideal situation is to work independently on a project of their choice.
An INTP prefers working with people but in small groups rather than larger ones. their Fe helps INTPs to get on with other people. They’re introverted by they don’t mind company.
4. Impersonal Vs Sensitive to others’ feelings
INTJs tend to be standoffish and seem uninterested in other people’s problems.
Their tertiary introverted feeling (Fi) is repressed and therefore, they do not always say the right thing.
They can come across as cold and uncaring or they can come across as insensitive because they lack the Fe charm that some other types have.
INTP’s inferior function comes out in full force when they are in group settings. Their Fe is constantly in use to help them blend in and they become very sensitive to the feelings of others.
5. Independent, self-sufficient Vs. dependable, helpful.
INTJs have a stereotype of being seen as the stereotypical “mad scientist”. They are independent, self-sufficient and can also be seen as more aloof than other types.
They do enjoy helping others but only if they can do it in an objective and efficient way.
They’re not as comfortable with feelings and emotions as the INFJ, ISFJ, or ESFJ types.
INTP’s are introverted and they prefer to spend their time alone. They have a strong independent streak that drives them to learn by themselves rather than follow a traditional path.
However, they have the Fe tertiary that allows them to be more empathetic and helpful towards others.
6. Emotionally based Vs Intellectually based decisions.
Both INTJ’s and INTP’s are rational types. They are less influenced by their emotions and they make decisions based on how they see the world, not what they feel about it.
However, INTP’s still make use of their Fe and take how they feel about a certain situation into account. They’ll be more likely to make a decision based on their emotions than an INTJ would.
7. Likes working with the unseen Vs working with physical objects.
INTP’s are idealists, who prefer to work on ideas rather than things. They like to work with unseen ideas and concepts such as new ways of thinking, technology, or the environment.
They don’t enjoy working with physical objects. They like to work on things that they can see the big picture of, such as ideas and concepts.
Working with physical objects doesn’t really appeal to them and they won’t enjoy doing it.
An INTJ is more of a scientist than an INTJ. They like working with physical objects, making them, building things, creating new products or tools.
They are objective and they aren’t too concerned with the aesthetics of their work. They see the big picture and this is what intrigues them.
8. Tackles the problem Vs Overthinking it
An INTJ will tackle the problem and be very confident that they’ll find a solution to it.
They don’t get stressed too easily and usually believe they can take care of the problem.
They’ll work at it until they arrive at a solution that seems logical enough to them.
An INTP will overthink the problem. They’ll think about it all day long, trying to make sense of it and figure out how to solve it.
They’ll be stressed out about it because they want to give the perfect solution to the problem. They hate taking incorrect steps, so they’ll be afraid of making the wrong choice which will lead them to be stuck in the INTP Ti-Si Loop.
9. Universal Vs Subjective Values
INTJs are objective. They don’t get caught up in their feelings or emotions when making decisions. They base it purely on how they see the world and how it fits into their own belief system.
They’ll look at both sides objectively before making a decision. They are prepared to make unpopular decisions if it means sticking to their principles.
INTP’s are less objective in their decisions and can be more subjective. They’ll be more emotional in their decision making and they’ll bend any rules in order to get what they want.
They’re prepared to make unpopular decisions if it means that they get to do what they want.
FAQs
INTP vs INTJ Intelligence: Which one Is The Smartest?
INTP and INTJ are both the most intelligent personality types. They are the two most intelligent personality types. but when it comes to the ‘genius’ one, The INTP win by a small margin.
Using their dominant Ti, INTP’s are extremely intelligent and easily understand complex theories, concepts, and ideas.
Can you be both INTP and INTJ?
No, you can’t be both. The INTP is a thinker, deeply analytical, and easily understands concepts. While the INTJ is the master of strategy.
Reading this article, I’m sure you’ve figured out by now that these two personality types are not similar as they first seem.
Comparing the INTJvs INTP humor?
INTJ’s are usually drier and a bit awkward when it comes to humor. They don’t like making jokes, but when they do, the joke is usually a witty sarcastic one.
INTP’s are more likely to deliver awkward quirky puns. They are good at making fun of people, but you’ll know when they’re doing that to make a joke.
CONCLUSION
INTPs are the most intellectual personality type. They are thoughtful, logical, intelligent and good at seeing patterns in things.
INTJs are the masterminds. They are analytical, intelligent, and logical. They are great at making decisions when there is no clear answer to the problem.
I hope you found this article helpful, if you did make sure to share it with your friends and leave your feedback in the comments below.
Be sure to check out my other articles about INTP and INTJ Personality types!
