The journey to discovering your Enneagram type is often a long and explorative process, and after finally figuring out your type, you may be wondering which Enneagram type is most common throughout the world’s population.
This question is fairly popular, so we’ve gathered information from various online resources to help you determine if you’re the most common type out there—or a much rarer one! Later, we’ll also explore how the different Enneagram types correspond to Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality types.
What is the most common Enneagram type?
Enneagram types Eight, Six and Nine are described as the most common Enneagram types. In an ongoing Enneagram Population Distribution survey, the researchers have collected 189957 results, and the Peacemaker (Type Nine) represents 16.2 percent of the participants. Overall, 16 percent of males and 17 percent of females test as this type.
The survey has also found that only 23 percent of those Type Nines are winged towards the Challenger type (Type Eight), while 77 percent are winged towards the Reformer (Type One). In a nutshell, the Peacemakers here are more inclined to follow specific moral standards, like the Reformers, rather than challenging them.
The 9 most common Enneagram pairings
Using the Enneagram is a great way for us to understand relationships better. Many authors have conducted research and written books about Enneagram pairings. As each person’s personal growth and experiences vary, there is no such thing as a perfect Enneagram pairing, but we can look at the most common ones and see how the people in each pair can benefit each other.
Type One with Types Two and Seven
If you’re a Type One who’d like to find someone who’s similar to yourself, Type Two is your go-to person. Both types have high ethical standards. While the perfectionist character of Type One can be seen as rigid, the nurturing nature of Type Two can soften their Type One partner.
They say opposites attract, and this is exactly the case for Types One and Seven. Although they share a line within the Enneagram wheel, these types are basically opposites. However, they do complement each other. While Type One provides the rules and plans, Type Seven creates adventures with spontaneity.
Type Two with Types Three and Eight
Type Twos and Type Threes have charming personalities, which makes this pairing a high-energy couple. Type Two can provide the unconditional approval that Type Three, who enjoys standing in the spotlight, often seeks.
On the other hand, if you’re a Type Two who’s looking for someone more similar, Type Eight shares an Enneagram line with you, which means you’ll share various traits with them. Twos and Eights are both energetic types, yet as a member of either type, you’ll likely ignore your own needs to care for others.
Type Three with Type Nine
As Type Threes are driven by ambition, they need someone to support them, and the stable nature of Type Nine can become that supporting factor within a relationship. Type Three can also help Type Nine become a stronger version of themselves.
Type Four with Types Five and Nine
Things might seem confusing if you’re a Type Four or Five who’s just discovering their type, because Fours and Fives can both be creative. That’s why Type Fives can be such a great match for Type Fours! Type Five’s straightforwardness will also help create a safe ground on which both partners can discuss deep emotional issues.
Another Type that can fulfill your emotional needs, as a Type Four, is Type Nine. Nines tend to be mellow, sensitive and private, but Type Four’s expressive nature can help this peaceful type become more passionate.
Type Five with Types One and Two
Type Fives are known for their independent and rational personalities, which they share with Type One. Fives are intelligent people with many interests, and this helps them facilitate conversations and build mutual understanding as they enter romantic relationships.
A Type Five and Type Two relationship is a typical opposites-attract relationship. Type Five can help Type Two set boundaries and become more private when needed, and Type Two can help Type Five come out of their shell and talk about their emotions.
Type Six with Type Nine
This is a very common pairing, as both types strive to be stable and reliant. Furthermore, Type Nines can calm Type Sixes down, making them more optimistic and peaceful.
Type Seven with Type Nine
Type Seven with Type Nine is also a common pairing, as people of both of these types are positive and sociable. They complement each other well, as Type Seven brings energy to the relationship, and Type Nine slows their partner down so they can live in the moment.
Type Eight with Type Nine
A pairing of Type Eight and Type Nine will help each partner grow into their best self. While the Nine may come to understand that they can be more assertive, like Type Eight, the calmness of Type Nine is (likewise) something that Type Eight can learn from.
Type Nine with Types One and Two
Type Nine causes Type One to be more easygoing and helps them let go of their inner critic. Meanwhile, the Type One partner offers structure to the Type Nine’s life.
Another great pairing for Type Nines is a relationship with a Two. Both types have good-natured and optimistic characters, along with big hearts and the desire to help others. These types support each other well when they’re in a relationship.
Myers-Briggs type to Enneagram type pairs
The Enneagram and the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) are both commonly discussed systems of personality differentiation. They both analyze the strengths and weaknesses of a person, but do the two systems correlate with each other?
To answer this question, research has been done to determine how the different MBTI types identify themselves in accordance with Enneagram types. We’ve come up with a summary of the most common correlations, and below, we’ll explain how each one works.
Most common Enneagram type for ENTP
An overwhelming number of people who test as ENTPs on the MBTI identify themselves as an Enneagram Type Seven, which is no surprise when you consider that both the ENTP and the Seven are defined as energetic, extroverted and explorative.
Most common Enneagram type for ISFP
The most common Enneagram type for ISFPs is Type Nine, as both types crave personal space, peace and harmony.
Most common Enneagram type for INTJ
Most INTJs identify themselves with the Enneagram’s Type Five. Both of these personality types share hardworking and introverted qualities, and at the same time, try to understand the world in a logical manner.
Most common Enneagram type for ISFJ
Type Sixes, like ISFJs, seek security and stability. Both types are loyal and dedicated to the people and communities they love. That’s why most ISFJs distinguish themselves as Type Six!
Most common Enneagram type for ENFJ
Type Twos are most commonly seen as ENFJs, or vice versa, because of their outgoing, caring and friendly nature. Aside from being active members of their communities, they also help others open up about their struggles on an individual level.
Most common Enneagram type for INFJ
In surveys, many INFJs identify themselves as Type Four, but it’s also important to note that the INFJ type is so rare that people of this type rarely meet others who are like them. This results in them thinking that they’re like no one else, which is quite similar to the individualistic nature of Type Fours. Type Four INFJs see themselves as unique, and it might be hard for them to express their extroverted selves, as they fear being misunderstood.
Most common Enneagram type for ISTJ
Most ISTJs define themselves as Type One, but Type Six is ranked closely behind. Type One ISTJs have principles and will justify their moral stances to the extent that evil may be involved. The more introverted Type Six ISTJs are loyal and require as much security as necessary.
Most common Enneagram type for ESFJ
Up to more than 60 percent of ESFJs describe themselves as Type Two. A warm, supportive, caring and welcoming nature lies at the core of Type Two ESFJs. Validation for loving their family and other people in society is their main motivation in life.
Do you see yourself in any of the most common Myers-Briggs type to Enneagram type correlations? If you know your MBTI type already, but you don’t know your Enneagram type yet, this could be a great way to explore what your Enneagram type might be.
Guidance, understanding and compassion
If we humbly accept the good, the bad and the ugly of each personality description, all personality systems can serve as effective guides for us as we aim to become better people.
By looking at the most common Enneagram pairings and MBTI correlations above, and comparing these two popular personality typing systems, we’ll be able to gain a better understanding of the people around us and work through our relationships with more compassion.
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