ISTP vs INTP

Are you interested in ISTP vs INTP insight? Then this guide is for you!

When comparing similar-looking personality types based on their letters, it’s important to know that identifying similarities and differences is a little more complex than just looking at each letter independently.

Although each letter represents major traits, the combination of these letters actually determines personality. What this means is that although ISTPs and INTPs only have one letter that is different, this is what determines the variances in these personalities.

By taking a look at the functional stacks of each of these personality types, you’ll better see how they may have some similarities yet many differences in the way these people view the world around them.

ISTP Functional Stack

• Dominant Function: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
• Auxiliary Function: Extraverted Sensing (Se)
• Tertiary Function: Introverted Intuition (Ni)
• Inferior Function: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

INTP Functional Stack

• Dominant Function: Introverted Thinking (Ti)
• Auxiliary Function: Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
• Tertiary Function: Introverted Sensing (Si)
• Inferior Function: Extraverted Feeling (Fe)

While the dominant and inferior functions of the ISTP and INTP personality types are the same, you can see that the major differences between these two types lie in their auxiliary and tertiary functions.

Major Similarities between ISTP and INTP

The dominant function is how each personality type takes in and processes information about the world around them.

For both of these types, introverted thinking is dominant.

Introverted thinkers want to make sense of the world through logic. Because this function is introverted, it means that individuals with these personality types will take facts and occurrences and process them internally.

With each new experience, these personality types are able to upgrade what they know about how the world works and apply this information to everyday situations.

These people are less likely to let feelings influence their decision-making processes though they do care about what will be best for the greater good.

They may come across as being uncaring or insensitive, but it’s just that the order and logic are the ways that they make sense of things.

Both ISTPs and INTPs are introverted, meaning that even if they enjoy spending time with just a few close friends or family, they’ll need time alone to become refreshed and re-energized.

Although they require time alone on a regular basis, these individuals are friendly when around people they’re close to though they can seem aloof and distant around people they don’t know very well.

It can be difficult for both of these personality types to understand complex human emotions and to react appropriately to the feelings of others.

They may come across as unemotional, but this is simply because logic makes much more sense to them than feelings do.

When it comes to helping others, both ISTPs and INTPs can become champions of causes that are close to them. However, they prefer to help with practical matters where they can actually see the results of their efforts.

Both of these personality types are curious by nature and enjoy using their hands and their minds to figure things out.

Highly analytical and inventive, those with either the ISTP or the INTP personality type can come up with solutions to complex problems when given the time to let their ideas simmer and take form in their heads without distractions.

In relationships, both of these types may overlook what they feel are the smaller details, such as giving gifts or expressing their appreciation of their partners with tokens of affection. They both need freedom and acceptance to make their relationships work.

Additionally, both of these personality types may have a bit of trouble making friends and actually may have more acquaintances than those who they let get close to their inner selves.

There Are Important Differences between ISTPs and INTPs

While the dominant and inferior functions are the same for both ISTP and INTP personality types, the major differences come from the auxiliary and tertiary functions.

Although these functions are not as strong as the dominant function, they dramatically impact personality.

Sensing involves what is concrete, using the five senses to appreciate the world while intuition focuses on the possibilities of what could be.

Because ISTPs use extroverted sensing, they like to focus on what is in the here and now. Should the prospect of a new adventure come up, those of this type will jump at the chance and show their spontaneous side.

On the other hand, INTPs use extraverted intuition. This allows these individuals to look toward the future at possibilities. They can make connections with patterns that they identify in the external world.

The tertiary function of introverted sensing is what gives ISTPs their gut feelings. Although this helps them to identify more abstract ideas, they prefer to put these ideas to use in pragmatic ways rather than theorize over them.

For INTPs, the tertiary function of introverted sensing is useful for breaking down larger concepts into smaller bits that are easier to process. Because sensing is introverted, these individuals may often overlook taking care of some of the details involved with daily lives.

Those with the ISTP personality type much prefer spending time doing while those who are INTPs can spend hours internally analyzing information and forgetting about the outside world.

Thrill-seekers by nature, ISTPs don’t typically take the time to think about possibilities and often overlook the potential consequences of their actions. This can often lead to trouble, but ISTPs can typically rationalize their way out of these situations.

On the other hand, INTPs generally think everything through before acting. However, those of this personality type don’t follow the status quo and are more prone to live life the way they see fit even if it differs from those around them.

Comparing the Strengths and Weaknesses of ISTPs and INTPs

Fluid and adaptable to most situations, someone with the ISTP personality generally maintains the status quo by going with the flow. Consequently, the INTP type is highly open to new experiences and doesn’t mind making waves when warranted.

The INTP is direct and honest to a fault and expect others to show them the same consideration. The ISTP can pick up on inconsistencies, making him or her ability to identify lies and discrepancies from those around them.

Both of these personality types are frequently viewed by others as being insensitive. However, they truly do care for those who are close to them, but they just don’t always think about how their actions or words will affect the feelings of others.