Type Analysis: INFJ or INTJ?

Are you wondering if you’re an INFJ or INTJ? People get inaccurate results on the MBTI often, especially if they’ve only taken free online tests. The best way to determine your true personality type is to learn how the cognitive functions work. In this series, I’m going to explain the major differences between INFJs and other personality types, starting with the differences between INFJ and INTJ personality types.

Are You An INFJ or INTJ?

One of the most common questions I get is, “How do I tell if I’m INFJ or INTJ?” INFJs and INTJs are similar in many ways. They are both introverted, intuitive, and judging personality types. They also share the same dominant function — introverted intuition (Ni).

However, the two types are also very different. According to the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, INFJs are Idealists (NFs) and INTJs are Rationals (NTs). There are major differences between these two temperaments. INFJs and INTJs also have different Thinking and Feeling functions in their top function stack. See the table below to see what the function stack looks like for each type.

Dominant Auxiliary Tertiary Inferior
INFJ Ni Fe Ti Se
INTJ Ni Te Fi Se

Explaining Functions in INFJ and INTJ

Both types use introverted intuition as their ultimate guide in taking in and understanding information. However, the actions they take to accomplish the end goal are different. INFJs rely on extroverted feeling (Fe) to implement their Ni vision in the external world. INFJs will ask questions like, “How will my decision affect other people?”, “Will this decision be unpopular or create conflict within the group?”, and “Is there a chance this decision could hurt someone?”

INTJs rely on extroverted thinking (Te) to implement their Ni vision in the external world. They ask questions like, “Does this process make sense logically?”, “What steps are required in order to complete the task?”, and “What is the most efficient way to get there?”

This isn’t to say that INFJs don’t value efficiency or that INTJs don’t care about people’s feelings. The auxiliary function (Fe or Te) is simply what comes most natural to these types when making decisions.

Other Personality Type Differences

INFJs are harmony-seeking idealists. INFJs seek group harmony and avoid conflict because of auxiliary Fe. They also prefer to keep their personal values and opinions to themselves or to share with only those they are close with due to their tertiary Introverted Thinking (Ti). If the conversation becomes too heated or controversial during a group discussion, INFJs will try to find a way to ease the tension or remove themselves from the conversation entirely. An exception would be if the conversation revolved around a topic that they felt extremely passionate about or if they felt as though they or someone else was being unfairly attacked.

INTJs don’t have a problem with tensions that may arise during a debate. In fact, most NT types enjoy a healthy exchange of ideas and rarely get personally offended if the conversation becomes heated. INTJs enjoy sharing their thoughts and ideas but can be uncomfortable with relational conflicts due to their tertiary Introverted Feeling function (Fi). If an INTJ feels that a personal value is being senselessly attacked, Fi will be triggered and cause them to get upset, defensive, or withdraw rather than deal with the uncomfortable emotional experience.

INFJs and INTJs In Relationships

Since INFJ and INTJ personality types both have dominant Ni, they are both growth-minded in relationships. They’re also extremely loyal and dedicated to working hard to make a relationship work if it lines up with their Ni vision. Becuase of this INFJs and INTJs are usually successful in relationships with one another. You can read more about INFJs and NT relationships here.

However, INFJs and INTJs are very different in how they prefer to deal with relational conflict. If an INFJ has an issue with a partner, they will feel better after discussing the issue and sharing their personal feelings. INFJs see the exchange feelings as a way to grow closer and strengthen the relationship. However, INTJs prefer to process their feelings and emotions internally, rather than talk them out with someone else. They often need more time to figure out what triggers certain emotions and often try to rationalize how they feel.

Keep in mind that what I’ve discussed above is how INFJs and INTJs tend to act in most situations, as that is what comes naturally to them. It isn’t to say that if you don’t respond a certain way 100 percent of the time, you aren’t an INFJ. For more information about the top four cognitive functions of INFJs, check out the In-Depth MBTI section of the website. In the next article in the series, I explain the major differences between INFJs and INFPs.

About The Author

Megan

Megan is an introvert and INFJ personality type who enjoys reading, researching, and writing about personality psychology and human behavior. As the founder of this blog, Megan wants to help other INFJs better understand their personality to improve their personal and professional lives.

13 COMMENTS

  1. dara40 | 1st Oct 14

    INFJ here. This article is so true! My brother is an INTJ and while we have many meaningful conversations, his solutions to problems that we may discuss in the process (like ecosystem destruction, etc.) will be different from mine and I tend to find myself disagreeing with his outcomes (I keep it to myself though, typical INFJ). I have found conflict with the not wanting to offend people, vs. when I or someone I care about is attacked (or a personal belief), then I go on the rampage. I hate to have that side of me come out because I prefer harmony, but it has on occasion. Great article!

  2. bluebuek | 2nd Oct 14

    This has been informative. Thanks!

  3. Chris Wilson | 2nd Oct 14

    Just wanted to say I enjoy reading your blog. Please continue to write. Thanks again.

  4. lljostes | 2nd Oct 14

    This was helpful clarification! Thanks!

  5. geri | 4th Oct 14

    As an INFJ, I have always asked those questions. I could never confuse myself with an INTJ. That’s just my two cents…I do think a lot but I care about people’s feelings a lot. At the same time, I have been learning to use TI more and care less about people’s feelings and more about what is logical or what makes sense.

  6. Type Analysis: INFJ or ISFJ? | INFJ Blog | 1st Nov 14

    […] INFJs more frequently mistype as INFPs or INTJs, it’s not entirely uncommon for an INFJ to mistype as an […]

  7. April | 3rd May 15

    I’ve been mistyping myself as an intj all this time!

    I always knew there was something about the intj description that didn’t match! It’s true – I avoid conflicts and care about people’s feelings … I am conscious about what the other person will think about my actions. Thanks for the info!

  8. Laila Shares | 24th Aug 15

    Reblogged this on Laila Shares and commented:
    Trying to understand the differences more.

  9. 33 | 4th Sep 15

    I identify being an infj. However, I am not too concerned with harmony and pleasing others. I hear or see something that’s not genuine or not making sense I don’t follow, much like an independent intj.

  10. Rom | 27th Sep 15

    I am an archetype male INTJ, working as a middle manager in a multinational.
    Recently I got into contact with a fairly large amount of female INxJs working for a consultancy firm. Some of them – the warmer ones – were clearcut INFJs and some of them – the more aloof ones – originally believed themselves to be INTJs.
    But despite their aloofness, the latter didn’t feel like INTJs to me (ie more willing to compromise integrity for harmony, less analytical and long range thinking ability…). I wonder if this feeling of mine is because of my subjective observation (being an archetype INTJ) or because some of the INFJs morph into this state while learning to use Ti to shield themselves of from the emotional garbage of others.

  11. williyamjam | 10th Feb 17

    The INFJs and INTJs combine dominant introverted intuition with inferior extraverted sensing. Our extraverted is very underdeveloped and sensitive, meaning that we consider outside stimuli to be a major distraction from Really Important.

  12. johnrobort | 14th Feb 17

    It is analysist for personality development blog in INTj or INTF

  13. Nyssa | 21st May 17

    I tested as an INFJ, but the part about “keeping the harmony above all else” and “not hurting​ anyone’s feelings” really didn’t resonate with me. I mean… Of course I don’t want people’s ​feelings to be hurt, but sometimes that’s the price you have to pay.
    When you write if an INTJ has an issue with a partner, they prefer to process it by themselves, I think that is totally what I do.
    So I guess INTJ fits me best! I’ll keep exploring though.
    Thanks!

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