The Myers Briggs Trait Indicator (MBTI) is a helpful tool to identify personality traits. The MBTI identifies 16 personality types and divides the types into four categories with two options in each category.
The personality type is described using four letters, one letter from each of the following pairs: extroversion (E) or introversion (I), sensing (S) or intuition (I), thinking (T) or feeling (F) and judging (J) or perceiving (P).
This discussion focuses on the differences between the INTJ and INTP personality types.
Both the INTJ and INTP personality types are introverted (I). INTJs and INTPs need a lot of space to think and contemplate about their ideas. Both types are highly intuitive (N) and follow their ‘gut’.
INTJs and INTPs are also both deep thinkers (T). Logic, objectivity and curiosity guide them toward the future. Some of the key differences between the two personality types are identified by the ‘J’ and the ‘P’ traits in their personality type.
Gathering Information
INTJs are viewed as one of the rarest personality types. They are highly intelligent and have an extensive repertoire of knowledge in variety of fields.
Their creative and articulate nature, coupled with strong intuition, influences their methodology of gathering information. Firstly, INTJs gather information, prioritize the facts and select the data needed for a comprehensive plan.
During the information prioritization and selection process, INTJs disregard information they feel is not helpful and begin developing a detailed plan with the information left.
In contrast, INTPs keep all the information that is gathered plus all new information and insights as they occur. For the INTP, all the information is not collectible. There is always something new to be added.
Leadership
Both INTJs and INTPs prefer to work behind the scenes autonomously and are not interested in leadership roles. The key difference between the INTJ and INTP in this respect is INTJs do accept leadership roles on occasion whereas INTPs do not.
Others tend to view INTJs as reliable, effective and potential leaders. The spontaneous and flexible traits of the INTP are viewed by the majority as irresponsible and they are rarely approached for leadership positions.
INTJ and INTP Discuss People
This is an interesting video of a discussion between an INTP and an INTJ. Even though both types are very similar there are also some concrete differences between the two as can be easily seen.
Decision Making
The INTJ’s decision making style is structured – they weigh the facts and make a final decision. The decision is based on known truths, facts, analytical thinking and is impersonal in nature.
They are confident in their fact-based decisions and able to answer questions quickly with rationale if any aspect of their work is challenged.
INTP’s tend to keep reviewing their options and struggle to make a firm decision until the last possible moment. When an INTP makes a decision it is never really final in their mind. The decisions are tentative, flexible and adaptable if new options come to light.
Structure
INTPs would not survive in a regimented detail oriented job for long. Flexibility is imperative since they can only produce work when the moment is right. As INTPs tend to live inside their own heads a bit more than INTJs, they seem to be more detached and are not influenced at by other people’s opinions.
INTPs, like INTJs, are responsible and trustworthy and but often viewed as ‘being out there’ and not as responsible as INTJs.
Planning
INTJs think logically versus the INTPs approach of trusting their ‘gut’ when planning how to reach their goals. INTJs are strategists and are excellent planners.
They know where they want to go and map out tentative steps that to guide them toward their goal. The INTJ’s plan is organized, structured and based on concrete facts.
INTPs, the thinkers, never have a plan. They focus on the future and let spontaneity guide them toward learning and investigating how people, things and processes work together.
They are experts at turning conceptual thoughts into complex ideas. The more complex the concept, the better INTPs likes it.
Practical Applications
There is a key difference between how INTJs and INTPs implement their projects. INTJs like to plan and participate in the implementation of their own designs and ideas. In contrast, INTPs are only interested in the development phase.
INTPs are content to let others implement, and in many cases take credit for their work.
As they tend to keep second-guessing themselves on their designs and ideas, any challenges or misunderstandings arising during the implementation phase of their work would cause them too much stress.
They simply want no part of it. The responsibility of implementation would require too much structure to their otherwise, easy going lifestyle.
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This seems really biased. You clearly personally like INTJs better than INTPs, and your “analysis” is pretty flat. Not well done.
We don’t really agree with what you say, but you are entitled to your opinion of course. Thanks for the taking the time to comment on the article.
In agreement with Urkle. Check your usage of jidgemental words; you will find in almost every case that you place the INTJ in a more positive light than the INTP.
Re-read your own post before you declare that someone is wrong. It may be that your opinion is that Urkle was incorrect, but that doesn’t mean that you are right! As the old saying goes, “opinions are like a*******, everyone’s got one”. Just my opinion of course! Lol
I’m an INTJ, but I agree that the writer is favouring INTJs. S/he made it seem like INTPs are an inferior form of INTJ. There’s no way one type can be inherently better than another, so what is the function of INTPs? This article made it seem like they don’t have a function other than to generate ideas that lead nowhere. And suggesting that INTPs never take a leadership role? That’s one hell of an assumption. They may not like being in a leadership role, but I’m sure some are in it regardless.
This thing with leadership is compleatly false. My boss at a internship was INTP and in a pretty high position. Now at school we have an important project in groups and I somehow ended up being the leader of the group (I’m INTP) even though there is an INTJ in the group.
Ha. I thought I was a solid INTJ before I just took an online test, it ruled me an INTP and I disagree. I see the INTP description here as a positive. I consider all my ideas as open to refinement as opposed to an open-and-shut case. The scientific method demonstrates the willingness and the ultimate superiority of a decision process that is open to revision and we are forced to accept that the universe doesn’t provide perfect and complete information ever, much less when we are taking a position. Furthermore, as humans with feelings and emotions, I consider myself as having made peace with an acceptance of following impulses. Now all that said, it could be that I’ve refined my own position as of my own experiences of human nature given years of introspection. In fact, I view people who always have a quick answer who are deeply and defensively invested in their position with suspicion since they seem to care more about showing they are right than they do about actually BEING right. This is religious mentality as opposed to logical. And logic is useful though I am not beholden to it since I AM human. I see myself as a succeeded Spock who has accepted the chaotic world and that as a human, I am not intrinsically logical. But I don’t need to be. Logic is just a tool – a powerful and useful one – but a tool nevertheless.
You might find the take of the article at https://www.personalityclub.com/blog/tell-an-intj-from-an-intp/ to be more neutral.
It seems like several INTP’s are a bit touchy. :-) I’m INTJ, but see the value of both. I like the data too I just don’t get compulsive about it. It is very nice to have a well informed team member to keep me straight because there is only three words that matter to me in the final analysis…Did It Work?
If it didn’t, I shall keep the data and get a new theory. If it did, you will find me on a beach or in my cornfield with a cold bottle of beer and a grin on my face. :-)
Totaly agree.
This article does not touch upon the key differences between the two types, rather compares some traits that might or might not exist in the two types.
Check out this article rather
http://ilhamuh.tumblr.com/post/122930896993/a-race-between-an-intp-an-intj
Written by an INTJ.
I am an INTJ and my husband is an INTP. We found this article remarkably accurate and laughed through a lot of it! It helped us understand the differences in how we come to decisions and plan our futures :)
Thanks! We really appreciate your feedback.
I agree that this paints the INTJ favourably. In fact on many occasions Js are always viewed favourable to Ps because their finality and planning makes them seem more competent and knowledgeable. Actually this is such an illusion. It’s like first mover advantage goes to the Js meanwhile the Ps are processing and sourcing ideas or options that will yield a really great outcome. Then they action. Sometimes this outcome is much more effective than the preplanned J due to it fitting the current environment better. I found working in media that my P function is way more effective in listening and moving with the times. The pre-planned statement that was written 6 weeks prior by a J is completely irrelevant. What a waste of time. Anyway… just saying that Js are not superior to Ps. Plans do not mean the best outcome.
Love from
ENFP
I agree with Urkle. INTPs are clearly sexier and can confirm right Twix is better*
*subject to change upon further analysis of data collected on left Twix
I appreciate this comment.
~INTP
hershey’s kisses to your comment
I always knew I was an *NTP something but thought I was an extrovert. Turns out I’m not a social creature, I just like mining others for opinions and information. So maybe some self declared ENTPs out there are really INTPs. Ask yourself, do you regard people mainly as lab data…..????
That is so me. I still like their company. And people generally like being analyzed or questioned. But I never thought I was an E.
I did find the article very informative. As someone looking for the key details between personality types, it was beneficial to me. I’m an INTJ, but I do have to say the article did seem to put INTJs in a slightly more positive light. Based on this article INTPs almost appear to be so flexible with their brain storming that they come off as flighty or irresponsible. I know plenty of people (not sure of mbti) who are thinkers/brainstormers who are constantly rethinking their main agenda or final decision. They may take a little longer (in my experience), but majority of the time find their way to the logical, practical desicion. Still am happy with article, as it did point out some main differences that help me learn about the “J” & “P” differences. So thank you very much.
Thank you for taking the time to comment on this article :)
I enjoyed this Article. I find it frustrating that I seem to be an even split between to two. Although, the traits I share with INTP are far stronger than traits I share with INTJ despite the even number.
I think that the people above are incorrect. Their judgement is based on a social perspective as to what traits are “better” to have.
I am INTJ and my partner INTP. These descriptions are quite accurate and I re-read the article after some said they thought the comments about INTP were negative or that it was slanted in favour of INTJ. It seems the article is written with a bit more detailed INTJ description but there is nothing negative said about INTPs only that sometimes they are perceived negatively. I read that as meaning it is an unfair or inaccurate perception. I even balked at the description of the INTJ as managing better in a regimented situation than an INTP because I don’t really like regimented situations but I have to acknowledge that I would probably survive it better than my partner would, though I’ve always said that I’d be court martialled pretty quickly if I were in the military.
I am INTJ due to cognitive functions and I disagree with some points in the article
I’m an intj, yet I have litteraly none of my life planned out. When I took the test for types the percentage was 53% j and 48%p
IM NOT REPRESENTING MY TYPE NUUUUUUU
INTP here. So much butthurt in this comment thread. I’ve read several “how to tell INTP-INTJ apart” articles and this is honestly the first one that tells it like it is. Most are so vague and immaterial that you can see yourself equally well in both the INTP and the INTJ description, but here I see my INTP self described accurately, and finally realize why I’m not an INTJ.
I think people are projecting their own insecurities and value judgements onto the dispassionate descriptions provided. There’s no law of physics that dictates every single of the 16 types will be equally adapted (and motivated to be adapted) to the rigors of modern western life. And that’s just fine; life ain’t a race. If you think it is… then perhaps you are J after all! ;)
I agree with Scorp 100%. This is the first clue I’ve gotten between J&P, usually I could be either.
Butthurt indicates they heard sumpin they dinnin wanna.
Thanks for clarifying PC!!! INTP btw.
Haha INTJ here and I loved your comment! My best friend is an INTP that tends to do a similiar thing, which is explaining that something appearing hurtful may in fact have no grounds for being hurtful. Makes me laugh that another INTP besides my amazing friend does a similiar thing.
I was keen to read this because I’m INTJ/P.
Stronger J after rest and when I have time – I love to finalise and implement a well structured plan.
Less J (more P) after being overworked and when too busy or exhausted. That’s when I just do what is necessary, rely on others more and just accept the results.
Biased as hell. ”Key Differences Between INTP and INTJ” – and author (INTJ) is bragging only about INTJs and how they’re better than INTPs. It’s unobjective. Don’t take it seriously, because in most points it’s false.
I definitely feel as (maybe not intentionally) this article is not a fan of INTPs. The word choices definitely bend towards INTJs, and the focus of the article is less ‘differences’ and more ‘why INTJs are better than INTPs’. I am an INTP, and while yes, I am a bit ‘out there’ and am bad at making clear paths for my future, I am not irresponsible. I get my work done, maybe simply not in an organized fashion. INTPs, it seems, are often times by most people portrayed negatively because they appear to be less structure-oriented – but that doesn’t mean that they are irresponsible. Here you speak as if INTJs are much better, and seemingly fail to remember that millions of people around the globe constitute of each type and that there are no ‘set standards’ that INTPs are worse. You clearly have a bias towards INTJs and it seems like you may have had bad relations with INTPs,
For instance: “INTJs like to plan and participate in the implementation of their own designs and ideas. In contrast, INTPs are only interested in the development phase.” / You use ‘only interested’ in this sentence versus ‘like to plan in participate.’ This clearly shows INTJs in a more favorable light, as they seem to ‘like’ while INTPs are ‘interested’.
Another example: “INTPs would not survive in a regimented detail oriented job for long. Flexibility is imperative since they can only produce work when the moment is right. As INTPs tend to live inside their own heads a bit more than INTJs, they seem to be more detached and are not influenced at by other people’s opinions. INTPs, like INTJs, are responsible and trustworthy and but often viewed as ‘being out there’ and not as responsible as INTJs.” / When you state ‘they can only produce work when the moment is right’ you definitely imply that INTPs only are ‘smart and responsible’ at certain times, versus INTJs, who can seemingly ‘produce work whenever’. This whole section emphasized negative connotations on words connected to INTPs and tried to broadcast INTJs in not necessarily a better but a ‘less horrible’ way.
Here: “INTJs think logically versus the INTPs approach of trusting their ‘gut’ when planning how to reach their goals. INTJs are strategists and are excellent planners.” / INTPs are the ‘logicians’ of all personality types, actually. If you look over these lines it is very clear that you think INTPs do not plan their ways and are worse people for it, while INTJs are ‘excellent’.
The ability to plan does not make a personality type superior. Sometimes, planning is a nuisance and a waste of time – other times it is needed – but it does not mean someone is better for it.
Not happy with this article. I believe you should take the incentive to either fix or delete it. It seems that many in the comments section agree with me.
-INTP
which type is most likely to celebrate turning 10000 days old?
Like this article as my results shows INTP/J and I feel more towards P than J. It is really fun to know how you can be categorized and actually there is a method to define what you would like and what you would not or how one would behave. I really like this method and great article to clarify INTP/J differences. I can relate all of it and everything looks accurate.
well, this is very biased.
Definitely appreciated this article. I’m pretty solidly INTP, but lean INTJ when stressed/pushed.
The “bias toward INTJ” that several commenters noted”, articulates what I was independently noticing, about how others see me.
Those observations fueled my -own- “bias towards INTJ”, that I had towards MYSELF. Which was partly grown from my observations of others’ disappointments in me.
This article helps me to clarify the difference between a different approach to life, and a value judgement of that approach.
It’s only been the last few years, where I accepted my “flakiness” and began to work with, and around it. Getting past that disappointment in MYSELF, really was necessary for me to have a better life. Although my reaction to others (and my own) disappointment in myself drove me to an extraordinary level of productivity and achievement, that productivity rose from a place of insecurity and my accomplishments were never able to make me feel better about myself. Furthermore, that insecurity made me vulnerable to being used and manipulated by people who recognized the value of my abilities better than I did.
Learning to work with my inclinations, instead of judging them, surprisingly did not decrease what I was able to accomplish and improved the quality of my life immensely.
INTP – As they tend to keep second-guessing themselves on their designs and ideas, any challenges or misunderstandings arising during the implementation phase of their work would cause them too much stress.
Hahahaha!!! This is very on point. I am an architect, and I do pre-design to the design phase. I talk to clients, adjust the designs to fit their budget, and close the deals, but during the construction phase, I let others manage and implement my designs. Because once construction starts, I get too stressed out and easily get depressed whenever they come to me and complain about this and that.
To everyone claiming that this review is biased, you are allowing your perception of what is better to influence your opinion. The review simply states facts about the two personality types. For example: It says that INTJ are excellent strategists planning out every step of a plan until they reach their end goal. On the other hand it describes INTP as only knowing what they want their end result to be and the first steps of the plan. This is simply fact. It does not suggests that one is superior to the other. It does not support structure over adaptability. It simply states the reality of the situation.
You allow your opinion of the right and wrong way to do something cloud your own judgment, then you externalize that judgment to accuse the writer of having been the one to make it. This is fallacy. To an INTP, this article would not be insulting or biased. They would agree wholeheartedly and be very confused as to why so many of you believe the INTJ was portrayed in a more positive way.
Agreed. I felt INTP was spot-on, and saw my INTJ colleague in here also. I am curious as to whether there is a correlation between personality type and opinion on whether the article favours INTJ or not, and also, if any INTPs are chiming in, where they are in their stage of self-acceptance.
Growing up as an INTP, I felt misunderstood and diminished pretty frequently for being spacey, “out there,” preoccupied, unable to make a decision and stick to it, etc, even though I was simultaneously praised and further belittled for my quick wit, logic, and strong, almost uncannily intuitive, intellect.
If INTPs are the most “out there” of all types and the least able to make a firm (and quick) decision, then it stands to reason that there are no “favourable” adjectives to describe this type in the first place because the majority of people wouldn’t understand enough of those traits to allow them to /be/ favourable. This means that in order to be a good, objective article, it must sound subjective.
Perhaps as a true INTP, then, I posit that the article DOES paint INTJs as favourable to INTPs, but only because as a society “we” tend to place more importance on firm decisions, authority, brevity, and intellect, and frown upon traits that are less easily defined.
I dont agree that this favors INTJ’s. I am an INTP and I find it accurate. The difference is that I value exactly what an INTP is. I value myself even though I’m not much of an executer. The difference is that the connection between disparate types of information leads me to creative and innovative solutions that an INTJ may never find. Thinking about concepts and ideas are their own reward and after I’ve had the pleasure of thinking and solving a really complex problem I’m not interested in bringing it to fruition. I’m the idea person, someone else can execute while i move on to the next interesting thing. The only thing I don’t agree with is the leadership part. I think all INTP’s secretly want to lead. Sometimes their value is recognized even when the don’t execute on lower levels. In that case, INTPs excel because we are excellent strategists who are able to see the bigger picture but understand the details. Lastly, we are natural leaders because we are natural learners and can educate our teams and drive them toward innovative and creative thinking …
I am INTJ and this is the first time I’ve read anything regarding these traits. I am honestly able to admit that I read this article with a smile. I couldn’t agree more and this is 100% me. There is nothing wrong with the way I’m wired and I love it! Sorry for my irrelevant comment.
I test as INTJ: however, I suspect that I may have been INTP. I have gone through time management and personal development courses, and implement Tony Robbings “big picture” time management – rapid planning method system and use it daily. It is natural to me as it focuses mostly on the outcome and not all the minute details on how to get there.
Could using time management and applying it change my test results from INTP to INTJ? I never tested before using time management.
1) Ofc this article is biased: almost all of the sentence start and work in the format: “INTJ ; INTP ;
2) It’s funny that not an INTJ complained about it
3) it’s even more funny that there are INTPs who say they don’t see it, which makes me think they have been mistyped individuals, since the bias is clear as fkin crystal and a TRUE (whtv the fck it means) INTP, would be bothered by it, since an INTP can rarely leave some shit go if it’s unjust (unethical) or illogic.
It’s clear that the article is biased; let me give an example for people to react to which turns the paradigm around: “While the INTP will imbue their work with a greater level of creativity and nuance due to their comprehensive intake of information, an INTJ’s work will often come to failure through the INTJ’s inability to take a 360 degree view of the problem they are trying to solve.” Sound biased? It was interesting, as an INTP executive who has led teams of nearly 100, to learn that I do not, as a rule “accept leadership roles.”
Am an INTP. I think the article is correct in pointing out that the INTP may be “perceived” by others as less reliable i.e. less likely to follow-through. Whether or not one takes this as a criticism depends on the value one places on said following-through…
As an INTP, I can be stubborn about certain things, but with most projects I have found that the results aren’t worth the effort. Just as the article states, once I have figured out the general approach to something I am happy to leave the rest to someone else. I have no interest in implementation, particularly the aspects of implementation that involve telling others what to do! I might be tempted to get involved if a project is obviously headed towards disaster, but then I generally can’t wait to hand it off again.
I’m also not too interested in credit. Sometimes the hoops one has to jump through to get one’s name attached to something just aren’t worth it!
So I generally “delegate” the implementation to the INTJs ;p I think it’s a win-win situation.
As an INTP myself, I find the “follow their gut” to be a completely inaccurate statement as this is something that a feeler might do. What might sound more accurate in my opinion is if it said that we “pursue things in an ad-hoc way” choosing an adaptive strategy instead of a carefully laid out one from begining to end.
I thought the article was accurare. I am INTP absolute. I have many great ideas but rarely have the implementation skills to make the plans into reality. My best option would be to find someone who can implement ideas. Nice to see many different opinions though I dont agree with all…..Laurie
You might find the take of the article at https://www.personalityclub.com/blog/tell-an-intj-from-an-intp/ to be more neutral.
An interesting article and a number of insightful comments, reminder that others opinions are very informative! I also took the article to be pro INTJ. BUT…. that isn’t reality. the nuance of conversations, comments listed, and other perspectives should remind us of why various personality types are needed and helpful to us all. I am intj, I love complex problems, ask me anything and I immediately try to solve it. is this what is needed in most cases, or most situations when you encounter a daily problem? Even I know the answer is no. Most problems do not require a novel solution, my obsession with solving problems is overkill for most daily challenges.
does our world benefit from a complex tapestry of personality types? the answer is a certain yes. I enjoy articles like this, and the thoughtful comments people leave, because it helps me better understand the nuance, the variety of personality and opinions that weave the tapestry of life. Thank you all for contributing. We are the world. cheers mate
Sounds like what a “superior” INTJ would say.