How to Know Your Enneagram Number
Updated: May 23, 2022
For those new to the enneagram, it can be confusing or overwhelming to figure out your number. What are these nine types? How do I figure out what number am I? And what does that number mean?
Maybe others have told you what number they think you are. They may be well meaning, but you know yourself better than anyone else. Only you can discern what your core needs and motivations are. And some days, we may not even have that clarity ourselves.
The process of discovering your type is just that, a process of discovery, a process of tuning in to what is going on inside of us and gently asking questions about why we think, feel, and act the way we do.
If you are looking to get started on that process, here are some suggestions to help you identify your core type.
Complete a free enneagram test through Your Enneagram Coach. Tests can only make recommendations; only you can determine your core type, as you know best your inner motivations. At the same time, tests can provide valuable insights and tease out possibilities for you to consider.
Read through descriptions of each of the 9 enneagram types and see what resonates most with you. I recommend the free descriptions available through The Enneagram Institute as they provide a comprehensive snapshot of each type, and can help with distinguishing between types too. As you read these descriptions, remember not to look at behaviors of each type, but rather the underlying motivations. Different types may act in similar ways, but often do so for very different reasons. Reflect on your WHY.
Listen to enneagram podcasts, especially those that have interviews with the people of different types. One of my favorites is The Enneagram Journey, with Suzanne Stabile. You can browse episode listings to find interviews with the numbers you want to explore. They are insightful conversations that