The Enneagram Personality Model, as with any personality study, reveals that a greater number of people belong to certain Enneagram types than to others within the Enneagram system. While results may differ slightly when various Enneagram databases are concerned, certain trends will arise. This article relating to Enneagram’s rarest and most common personality types is based on a database collection, using the results of almost 190,000 respondents.
Enneagram tests are known for their accuracy and practical applications in understanding personality traits, motivations, and fears. They are particularly useful in recruitment processes to help identify the best candidates and emphasize the unique characteristics of different Enneagram personalities for personal growth.
A general population distribution outlines the most common Enneagram types by gender and as a whole. Of course, certain Enneagram types will be more inclined to do this test than others, and this would affect the outcome. Understanding the distribution of Enneagram types within the entire population can provide insights into societal dynamics and interpersonal relationships.
Additionally, the article covers various links between Enneagram personality types and MBTI personalities. In certain types, a very distinct correlation materializes.
The three rarest Enneagram types are Fives, Eights, and Twos. Also, the three rarest Enneagram types don’t share specific common traits. For example, Fives are introverts, while Twos and Eights are extroverts; Fives are highly disagreeable, Eights are disagreeable, and Twos are highly agreeable.
The following statistics come from a total of 189,957 respondents.
Understanding Enneagram Types
Importance of Enneagram Personality Type
Understanding Enneagram types can be helpful for personal growth, self-awareness, and effective communication. The Enneagram personality system recognizes nine distinct types, each with unique traits, motivations, and behaviors. By understanding your Enneagram type, you can gain insights into your strengths, weaknesses, and tendencies, allowing you to make informed decisions and improve your relationships with others. Moreover, Enneagram types can influence your career choices, conflict resolution strategies, and overall well-being.
The Rarest Enneagram Types
Enneagram Type 5: The Investigator
Within this study, the rarest Enneagram type is Type Five.
This table shows the key statistics for an Enneagram Type 5.
| TYPE 5 METRICS | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Total Number | 9,098 |
| Percentage | 4.8% |
| 5w4 | 32% |
| 5w6 | 68% |
| Males | 7% |
| Females | 3% |
No matter the source, Fives seem to make it into the rarest Enneagram type list. These head types are introspective and can be emotionally detached. But they’re always on the lookout for new and especially unique information.
Fives fear being seen to lack competence and strive to keep this from occurring by filling themselves up with knowledge. However, they may try to keep their time, energy, and information to themselves and dislike interruptions. Though, they may often ponder over how they could make the world a better place.
Key Traits and Basic Fears
The rarest Enneagram type is Type 5, also known as “The Investigator.” Individuals with this type are characterized by their introspective nature, analytical thinking, and independence. They are driven by a desire for knowledge and understanding, often pursuing intellectual pursuits and valuing expertise. Type 5s are also known for their reserved and detached demeanor, which can make them appear aloof or distant to others.
One of the primary fears of Type 5s is being overwhelmed by their emotions or losing control. They often struggle with intense emotions and may come across as insensitive or unfeeling to others. However, this is not because they lack emotions, but rather because they have learned to suppress them in order to maintain a sense of control and stability.
Other Rare and Common Enneagram Types
While Type 5 is the rarest Enneagram type, other types, such as Type 8 and Type 2, are also considered rare. Type 8, “The Challenger,” is known for their assertiveness, self-confidence, and determination, while Type 2, “The Helper,” is characterized by their kindness, empathy, and desire to help others.
On the other hand, some Enneagram types are more common than others. Type 9, “The Peacemaker,” is often considered the most common Enneagram type, followed closely by Type 6, “The Loyalist,” and Type 4, “The Individualist.” These types are more prevalent in the population, and their traits and characteristics are often more easily recognizable.
Enneagram Type 8: The Challenger
Within this study, the second-rarest Enneagram type is Type Eight.
This table shows the key statistics for an Enneagram Type 8.
| TYPE 8 METRICS | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Total Number | 11,968 |
| Percentage | 6.3% |
| 8w7 | 75% |
| 8w9 | 25% |
| Males | 8% |
| Females | 6% |
Eights are another Enneagram personality type that consistently comes up in data assessments of the rarest Enneagram type. They can be domineering and are natural leaders. It’s understandable that nature keeps them to a minimum, as they’re likely to challenge other Eights, and with neither one being willing to back down, that could only spell disaster.
In fact, they fear others taking supremacy and making them feel powerless. They may control and dominate in order to get what they desire. However, they’re extremely protective of those they consider as ‘their people’.
Enneagram Type 2: The Helper
Within this study, the third-rarest Enneagram type is Type Two.
This table shows the key statistics for an Enneagram Type 2.
| TYPE 2 METRICS | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Total Number | 16,224 |
| Percentage | 8.5% |
| 2w1 | 57% |
| 2w3 | 43% |
| Males | 6% |
| Females | 10% |
Twos are reportedly helpful people-pleasers. They’re warm, generous, and encouraging. But they hope to receive love in return.
Their greatest fear is being unworthy of love and abandoned, and to prevent this from happening, they may insert themselves to feel that others might become dependent on them.
Most Common and Rarest Enneagram Types
While the rarest Enneagram type may vary from database to database, when it comes to the most common Enneagram type, a single Enneagram type looms. According to Enneagram theory, Nines seem to take the lead every time. Understanding the distribution of the nine Enneagram types within the population is crucial for accurate personality assessments.
Enneagram Type 9: The Peacemaker
Within this study, the most common Enneagram type is Enneagram Type 9. This table shows key statistics:
| TYPE 9 METRICS | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Total Number | 30,754 |
| Percentage | 16.2% |
| 9w8 | 23% |
| 9w1 | 77% |
| Males | 16% |
| Females | 17% |
Across multiple databases, Enneagram Type 9s consistently surface as the most common Enneagram type. They are generally accepting of people and circumstances. They have the ability to remain calm and reassuring during crises or conflicts.
Their primary fear is conflict and the loss of connection with others, or the rejection of others. More than anything, they crave peace and stability.
Enneagram Type 6: The Loyalist
Within this study, the second most common Enneagram type is Enneagram Type 6. Here are the key statistics:
| TYPE 9 METRICS | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Total Number | 30,587 |
| Percentage | 16.1% |
| 6w5 | 44% |
| 6w7 | 56% |
| Males | 13% |
| Females | 18% |
Enneagram Type 6, the loyalist, is also regularly on the list of the most common Enneagram types. Type Sixes are, by all accounts, responsible and faithful. They can, however, be skeptical, and may ebb toward anxiety.
Their core fears include the loss of security and support, and not being accepted, and they may suffer from feelings of self-doubt. However, they are supremely loyal and sincere.
Enneagram Type 4: The Individualist
Within this study, the third most common Enneagram type is Enneagram Type 4. And again we have the key statistics:
| TYPE 4 METRICS | VALUE |
|---|---|
| Total Number | 28,480 |
| Percentage | 15.0% |
| 4w3 | 55% |
| 4w5 | 45% |
| Males | 10% |
| Females | 18% |
Fours are not always on the list of most common Enneagram types. In fact, they occasionally find themselves at the other end of the scale. Because they’re introspective, personality testing would probably draw them more than many other personality types, and this may sway the statistics one way or another.
Enneagram Type 4s, the individualist, are innovative, sincere, and deep thinkers, however, they may be inclined to be moody.
They greatly fear feeling insignificant or inadequate, and they thrive on feeling that they’re one of a kind. They may often see themselves as flawed and may desire qualities they see in others whom they see as inspiring.
Other Personality Statistics
It’s interesting to compare which Enneagram types relate to specific 16-Personalities types through personality tests. A study was conducted by Enneagram.bz, on over 40,000 individuals. While they established that all variations were possible, certain trends emerged.
The Sixteen MBTI Personality Types
MBTI, or the Myers Briggs Type Indicator is an alternate personality model. This model individualizes people by one of sixteen personalities. To see how the MBTI personalities align with Enneagram personality typing, read on.
The 16-personalities test will categorize you into one of the following personalities:
| ENFJ | ESFJ | INFJ | ISFJ |
| ENFP | ESFP | INFP | ISFP |
| ENTJ | ESTJ | INTJ | ISTJ |
| ENTP | ESTP | INTP | ISTP |
1. Enneagram Type 1 to 16-Personalities
This table shows the mapping of Enneagram Type 1 to the 16-Personality types.
There is no very common mapping to this Enneagram type:
| Very common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 1: | None |
|---|---|
| Common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 1: | INFJ, ISFJ, ISTJ |
| Occasional 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 1: | ENFJ, ENTJ, ESFJ, ESTJ, INFP, INTJ, INTP, ISFP, ISTP |
| Rare 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 1: | ENFP, ENTP, ESFP, ESTP |
2. Enneagram Type 2 to 16-Personalities
This table shows the mapping of Enneagram Type 2 to the 16-Personality types.
Once again, there is no very common mapping to this Enneagram type:
| Very common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 2: | None |
|---|---|
| Common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 2: | ENFJ, ESFJ |
| Occasional 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 2: | ENFP, ESFP, INFJ, INFP, ISFJ, ISFP |
| Rare 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 2: | ENTJ, ENTP, ESTJ, ESTP, INTJ, INTP, ISTJ, ISTP |
3. Enneagram Type 3 to 16-Personalities
This table shows the mapping of Enneagram Type 3 to the 16-Personality types.
And – did you guess it? – again only common and occasional matches:
| Very common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 3: | None |
|---|---|
| Common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 3: | INFJ, ISFJ, ISTJ |
| Occasional 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 3: | ENFJ, ENTJ, ESFJ, ESTJ, INFP, INTJ, INTP, ISFP, ISTP |
| Rare 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 3: | INFJ, INFP, INTP, ISFJ, ISFP, IST |
4. Enneagram Type 4 to 16-Personalities
This table shows the mapping of Enneagram Type 4 to the 16-Personality types.
And finally we have a very common match:
| Very common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 4: | INFP |
|---|---|
| Common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 4: | ENFP, INFJ |
| Occasional 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 4: | ENFJ, ENTP, ESFP, INTJ, INTP, ISFP, ISTP |
| Rare 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 4: | ENTJ, ESFJ, ESTJ, ESTP, ISFJ, ISTJ |
5. Enneagram Type 5 to 16-Personalities
This table shows the mapping of Enneagram Type 5 to the 16-Personality types.
And we have another mapping of this Enneagram type to very common personality types:
| Very common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 5: | INTJ, INTP |
|---|---|
| Common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 5: | ISTJ, ISTP |
| Occasional 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 5: | None |
| Rare 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 5: | ENFJ, ENFP, ENTJ, ENTP, ESFJ, ESFP, ESTJ, ESTP, INFJ, INFP, ISFJ, ISFP |
6. Enneagram Type 6 to 16-Personalities
This table shows the mapping of Enneagram Type 6 to the 16-Personality types.
Another one with clear matches:
| Very common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 6: | ISFJ, ISTJ |
| Common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 6: | None |
| Occasional 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 6: | ENFJ, ENTJ, ESFJ, ESFP, ESTJ, ESTP, INFJ, INFP, INTJ, INTP, ISFP, ISTP |
| Rare 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 6: | ENFP, ENTP |
7. Enneagram Type 7 to 16-Personalities
This table shows the mapping of Enneagram Type 7 to the 16-Personality types.
Many matches here:
| Very common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 7: | ENFP, ENTP, ESFP, ESTP |
| Common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 7: | ISTP |
| Occasional 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 7: | ENFJ, ENTJ, ESFJ, ESTJ, INFP, INTP, ISFP |
| Rare 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 7: | INFJ, INTJ, ISFJ, ISTJ |
8. Enneagram Type 8 to 16-Personalities
This table shows the mapping of Enneagram Type 8 to the 16-Personality types.
More rare matches here:
| Very common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 8: | None |
| Common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 8: | ENTJ, ESTJ |
| Occasional 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 8: | ENTP, ESTP, INTJ, ISTJ, ISTP |
| Rare 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 8: | ENFJ, ENFP, ESFJ, ESFP, INFJ, INFP, INTP, ISFJ, ISFP |
9. Enneagram Type 9 to 16-Personalities
This table shows the mapping of Enneagram Type 9 to the 16-Personality types.
With a clear matching of ISFP:
| Very common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 9: | ISFP |
| Common 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 9: | INFP, INTP, ISTP |
| Occasional 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 9: | ENFP, ENTP, ESFP, INFJ, ISFJ, ISTJ |
| Rare 16-Personalities type to Enneagram Type 9: | ENFJ, ENTJ, ESFJ, ESTJ, ESTP, INTJ |
The bottom line is that the rarest enneagram type is Five. They come in with a general percentage of 4.8%, Eights at 6.3%, and Twos at 8.5%. The most common Enneagram types are Nines at 16.2%, Sixes at 16.1%, and Fours at 15%.
Also, in an examination of 41,122 individuals, certain correlations showed up between Enneagram and MBTI results. Most notable are Sevens, who very commonly align with 4 16-Personalities types, being ENFP, ENTP, ESFP, and ESTP. Fours are commonly found in INFPs, Fives in INTPs and INTJs, Sixes in ISFJs and ISTJs, and Nines in ISFPs.
Discover your Enneagram type, or your 16-Personalities type. You can take our free Enneagram test here and our free personality types test here.
Marius is the main builder of PersonalityMax.com. He has 10 years of experience with personality tests for himself and with his teams. His favorite way to use personality tests is to help people be more in sync with themselves and understanding what makes them feel energized.