How to Tell if You’re an ISTP vs. INTJ

If you’re reading this post, there’s a high chance that you’re trying to work out if you’re an ISTP vs. INTJ personality type. These two types are often confused because they share several characteristics. Both types are logical, reserved, and level-headed. They also have a unique talent for solving problems.

But there are also some core differences between how these types think and experience the world. In this post, we explore these key differences. If you’re unclear about your type, we hope this helps you.

So here are five differences between the ISTP vs. INTJ personality types:

1. Motivation for learning.

INTJs make calculated decisions, and they carefully consider the opportunity cost of their time. This is what drives them to learn about topics that can help them further their life in one way or another.

If there’s one thing that INTJs love, it’s learning about abstract topics which have real-world applications. They love to solve problems and make systems more efficient because of the impact the results have on the external world.

Plus, INTJs think about the long-term impacts of everything they do, which means that their actions have clear reasons behind them, including learning.

ISTPs tend to learn because they are deeply curious about how things work. They get a huge amount of enjoyment from learning for the sake of it.

Additionally, they tend to go through phases where they are deeply interested in a specific topic for a while, and then, once they feel that they fully understand it, they move on to the next subject of their fascination.

For example, an ISTP might read a book about how car engines work management because they are intrigued by how all the separate parts work together.

While their desire for learning doesn’t always have an end goal, the topics they learn about often have potential practical applications. They enjoy solving hands-on, real-world problems.

2. Making decisions.

ISTPs and INTJs both use logic to make decisions but in slightly different ways. INTJs use logic based on objective facts, while ISTPs use logic based on what makes sense to them.

INTJs use deductive logic to make decisions. This means they start at the facts, then go to the theory, and then return to the facts.

Essentially, INTJs use logic that is based on what is verifiable in the outside world. They tend to focus on the end result they are looking to achieve and work backward from there in order to decide on the best decision to get to that point.

When making decisions, INTJs ask: “Does this make sense based on facts?” INTJs tend to take longer to make decisions because they carefully weigh up the pros and cons of each option, and they consider the probability of multiple scenarios.  

ISTPs use inductive logic to make decisions. This means they start at the theory, then go to the facts, and then return to the theory.

Essentially, ISTPs tend to use facts to prove their theories. Over their lifetimes, they build up an internal web of knowledge about how the world works. In fact, they can find it hard to accept information that conflicts with their framework of knowledge.

When making decisions, ISTPs ask: “Does this make sense to me?” ISTPs are more easygoing when it comes to making decisions and are more likely to go with their gut instinct.  

3. Organization.

The way that ISTPs and INTJs organize their day-to-day lives can look quite different. ISTPs prefer to keep their options open, while INTJs feel more comfortable when they have a clear plan.

ISTPs often appear relaxed and adaptable. In fact, they are in a lot of ways. They don’t like to plan too far in advance and are open to new experiences.

This is because they love entertaining possibilities and can feel uncomfortable when they have to give up options. Despite being flexible on the surface, they are less adaptable in terms of their inner world.

While both ISTPs and INTJs are logical, INTJs have a much stronger desire to organize their life efficiently. For example, they may have a specific place where they always put their keys, and so on.

They are highly aware that small actions like this save them time in the long run. Even though INTJs feel most comfortable with some kind of routine, they do like to allow periods of time to recharge in their introverted bubble and pursue their interests.

4. Communication style.

ISTPs and INTJs both tend to communicate in a calm, non-emotional manner, but there are some nuances that can help you distinguish these types.

INTJs tend to be direct in the way they communicate. Seeing as they focus heavily on facts, they see the world as relatively black and white. This means they are clear about what they think and, in turn, what they say. INTJs often look for one answer based on facts.

Additionally, they like to get to the point when they communicate because they are so focused on efficiency. This also means that they can feel that it’s a waste of time going back and forth discussing different points of view.

Ultimately, INTJs don’t like to waste time, so they tend to be articulate and are often seen as people of few words. They can struggle when it comes to verbalizing their emotions.

ISTPs communicate in a more direct manner than a lot of personality types but less so than INTJs. Despite being reserved, ISTPs love to debate topics because it helps them clarify their opinions and thoughts.

In fact, they may even argue with themselves in their mind. They communicate in a more open-ended way compared to INTJs and often actively seek out other people’s opinions.

This means that although they can be blunt in some situations, they are generally less direct and set on a specific answer.

ISTPs sometimes play devil’s advocate just for the fun of it. In general, ISTPs can find it more challenging to communicate their thoughts than INTJs and they also find it difficult to talk about their feelings.

5. Observing the world.

ISTPs have a knack for paying attention to what’s around them. They are more likely to see the forest for the trees, so to speak.

This is evident in the way they notice small things about people and their environment. ISTPs are a paradoxical mix of being observant yet easily distracted.

They place high importance on verifiable facts and information that is proven.

6. Recalling information.

Not only do INTJs and ISTPs take in information differently, but they also differ in the way they remember things. INTJs tend to remember overall ideas, while ISTPs retain specific details.

INTJs remember general impressions. This is because they are most interested in the big picture idea, the meaning behind something, and the end result.

They often don’t remember specific attributes. For example, they might have a memory of a man in a shop who was rude to them, but they won’t remember what color jumper he was wearing.

INTJs store information in their memory in a way that is interconnected and easily accessible. This allows them to make connections between different pieces of information they have gathered.

ISTPs tend to have incredible memories of facts and details. They often remember exactly how things felt, smelled, tasted, etc.

For example, when asked about a restaurant, they might remember a specific item on a menu that they enjoyed rather than the reason they were there.

In fact, ISTPs have exceptionally accurate memories. This is because they tend to recall precise sensory information rather than the overall gist of a situation. Ultimately, they remember how something actually was as opposed to their subjective impression of it.

ISTP vs. INTJ frequently asked questions

So now we have explained the key differences between the ISTP and INTJ personality types. As you have seen, there are some clear differences between the two personalities.  

Let’s now look at some frequently asked questions about each personality to help make it clearer for you.

Are ISTPs vs. INTJs smarter?

There’s no clear answer when it comes to determining which personality type is more intelligent. After all, intelligence can be measured in a lot of different ways and can mean different things to different people.

INTJs are usually highly adept at solving theoretical problems and conceptual thinking. They have the natural ability to see how things will play out in the future.

ISTPs tend to be very good with their hands. If something needs fixing, ISTPs are the personality type you want around. They aren’t afraid to give things a go and learn by trial and error.

So, while there’s no clear winner in the battle of ISTPs vs. INTJs, it’s safe to say that both types are highly intelligent in their own unique ways.

Are ISTPs vs. INTJs more sociable?

ISTPs and INTJs value their alone time and are the two least social personality types. However, that’s not to say that they don’t have social skills. They have the potential to enjoy social situations; it’s just that they prefer not to spend too much time with other people, particularly in large groups.

INTJs tend to be more assertive and willing to share their opinions than ISTPs. They are often quick to make decisions and are more comfortable taking charge. Plus, they often have goals that require sociability to some degree.

ISTPs often prefer to stay in exploring a new topic of interest or playing games. As a result, they tend to spend less time with people because they often feel extremely fulfilled spending time by themselves learning more about something they love.

On balance, ISTPs are slightly more sociable as they are more likely to enjoy spending time interacting with people and the world, while INTJs are more likely to get caught up in their heads.

Do ISTPs and INTJs have a similar energy?

INTJs and ISTPs are both introverted and thinking personality types, and at first glance, they might appear similar. They both like to keep their thoughts to themselves and can come across as analytical or even detached. However, when you spend time talking to them, you’ll see that they come across quite differently.

INTJs are known for their drive and ambition. They’re always looking for ways to improve and grow, and they’re usually very successful in whatever they set their minds to. This shows in their words and actions.

ISTPs, on the other hand, are more likely to be spontaneous and impulsive. They’re less concerned with planning and more interested in living in the moment. ISTPs appear more relaxed.

Ultimately, INTJs tend to come across as quite intense and serious, while ISTPs appear more easy-going and laid-back.

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If you haven’t already, be sure to check out our individual ISTP and INTJ posts, which delve deeper into each personality type. Last but not least, you might also like our post about INTJ vs. ISTJ differences.