Summary

  • The Myers-Briggs® Indicator offers more detailed personality types than the Hogwarts houses, but there are overlaps between the two systems.
  • Slytherin house is likely to attract individuals with ambition, bold leadership, and a desire for achievement, such as ESTJs and ISTJs.
  • Gryffindor house is likely to attract individuals who are brave, outspoken, and willing to fight for their beliefs, such as ENTPs, ESTPs, and ISTPs.

Each of the four Hogwarts houses in Harry Potter groups students who share similar character traits and the Myers-Briggs® Indicator works in a similar, but more detailed, way with personality types. Gryffindors are known for their bravery, Slytherins for their cunning, Hufflepuffs for their generosity, and Ravenclaws for their curiosity. In the Harry Potter franchise, readers and viewers are first introduced to these four core traits in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone as Harry (Daniel Radcliffe) and his new classmates have the Hogwarts Sorting Hat announce which houses they will be in for the rest of their time at school. These personality traits tend to be driving forces for the characters.

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The Myers-Briggs® Type Indicator offers a set of sixteen different personality "types" instead of simply four. Each of the MBTI® types is unique, even if some traits overlap. The Hogwarts houses also have something unique to offer, and no two students are the same, even if the Sorting Hat believes they are. For example, Gryffindor's traits extend beyond just bravery, and though Harry is courageous, he's almost sorted into Slytherin. The overlap among the MBTI® types and the Hogwarts houses means that it's possible to sort MBTI® types into their likely Hogwarts houses.

RELATED: What Harry Potter Wand Would You Have, Based On Your MBTI®?

Slytherin

ESTJ

Draco Malfoy against a stone wall with a bag over his shoulder outside of Hogwarts in the Harry Potter movies

ESTJs are known for their strong ambition. Not much can stop them from fighting for a cause that they are passionate about, and for the most part, they're fearless individuals. These traits make them perfectly fit for the house of Slytherin.

While Slytherins and ESTJs are often perceived as being strict and authoritative, once people get to know them, they let their shells crack a little. With their sense of bold leadership, honesty, and desire for achievement, ESTJs are likely to be sorted into Slytherin.

ISTJ

Like the ESTJ, the ISTJ is a good fit for Slytherin. This Myers-Briggs® type is often extremely honest and direct with their peers in a way that is meant to be helpful, yet can sometimes come across as crude to those who favor politeness over authenticity. They're blunt. This describes the way Slytherins try to flaunt their House pride and family values.

Severus Snape, one of the most notable Slytherins, is himself an ISTJ. He's a good example of an ISTJ who is cold on the outside but has a softer, more emotional side that he hides inside. His criticism and blunt nature is what often comes out when he chooses not to remain quiet.

ENTJ

Harry Potter Slytherin crest

ENTJs are known for saying exactly what they're thinking, even if what they are thinking might come across as harsh. ENTJs are determined to a nearly terrifying degree, like the former Slytherin Voldemort. On the flip side, their ambition can lead them to great success in positive ways, too.

While Voldemort is an example of an evil ENTJ, Alastor Moody represents a more honorable ENTJ. Though Moody attended Hogwarts (and was later invited to teach there), his Hogwarts House has yet to be revealed in any of the Harry Potter canon.

INTJ

Voldemort with Bellatrix Lestrange, Lucius Malfoy And Other Masked Death Eaters

INTJs are brilliant thinkers who have no trouble getting others to follow their lead. They stand tall with their heads held high and are extremely stubborn in their beliefs. This describes some strong-willed Slytherins like Malfoy, Voldemort, and even Snape.

Despite his mishaps, their cleverness and persuasiveness are undeniable. Whether or not these traits are used for better or worse depends upon the individual, but INTJs certainly aren't all evil like Voldemort is.

RELATED: 5 Most Likable Slytherins In Harry Potter (& 5 Fans Can't Stand)

Ravenclaw

INFP

INFPs are known for their rich imaginations and endless creativity. They are often bookish in nature and love to get lost in the works of an excellent novel. Some of the INFP's traits overlap with INTPs, which is why they would both feel at home in Ravenclaw.

Luna Lovegood is both a Ravenclaw and an INFP, and perfectly exemplifies the traits of both of these types. Luna is known for her dreamy nature, and INFPs often find the worlds inside their own heads more interesting than the real world around them. She looks at the world from a different point of view than most of her peers, seeing things that others don't.

INFJ

Cho Chang smiling while standing outside in Goblet of Fire

INFJs are known for their warmth and wisdom. Constantly wanting to learn new things, this group will study everything from the people around them to each book in the library (even in the restricted section). Sometimes, their wisdom can be overbearing and intimidating to others.

Yet, when it comes down to it, INFJs are friendly and caring. They want to use their knowledge in positive ways. Luna Lovegood and Cho Chang are two of the most prominent Ravenclaws who showcase these INFJ traits, and they're also quite approachable people.

INTP

Harry Potter Ravenclaw crest.

INTPs are a great fit for the Ravenclaw House because of their individuality and high intellect. The INTP is usually known for their knowledgeability, which is a great help to them in Hogwarts classes. They have quick minds and follow their own paths.

INTPs wouldn't feel at home anywhere the way they would with Ravenclaws. These academically driven students are curious and always want to learn more about their world, just like INTPs.

RELATED: 10 Things About Ravenclaw House That Make No Sense In Harry Potter

Hufflepuff

ESFP

Newt Scamander in his coat in Fantastic Beasts: Crimes of Grindelwald

ESFPs are charismatic people who are often described as social butterflies. They tend to have large social circles and are usually the most at ease in public settings. One of Hufflepuff's key traits is loyalty, so it makes sense that they would enjoy the company of other people.

Hufflepuffs, like ESFPs, are some of the most welcoming students one will find at Hogwarts. They stand out from the rest of the student body, in much the same way ESFPs are willing to help others feel comfortable and entertained.

ISFP

Professor Sprout at the greenhouse in Chamber of Secrets

ISFPs are known for being kind and warm-hearted. Many people gravitate towards ISFPs because their quiet yet giving nature makes them excellent listeners and thus brilliant friends. Even though they're introverted, they are generous and patient.

Some of Hufflepuff's more overlooked traits include dedication and their passion for justice and hard work. With their feeling - as opposed to a judging - nature, the ISFP can find no better Hogwarts house to call home than Hufflepuff.

ESFJ

Harry Potter Hufflepuff crest

Like the ESFP, ESFJs are known for being social butterflies and have no trouble befriending new people. ESFJs have the ability to see good traits in everyone they meet, though sometimes their blind trust can lead them to be taken advantage of.

Often described as mature, caring, and nurturing, ESFJs usually look out for their friends. ESFJs are the parental figures in their friend groups, the "mom friends." They want others to feel comfortable, satisfied, and at ease, which aligns with Hufflepuff's values perfectly.

ISFJ

ISFJs are often kind and pleasant people, which is what Hufflepuffs are known for. They are giving and loyal individuals who are reluctant to speak ill of others. Of course, this isn't true for every Hufflepuff, as seen when Harry is an outcast in his second and fourth years at Hogwarts. However, when tested, Hufflepuffs will return to their core values.

Because of their willingness to see the good in everyone, they find it easy to form strong friendships. Cedric Diggory is often described as an ISFJ because of his charismatic warmth and likability. It's Cedric who tries to get other Hufflepuffs to stop speaking badly about Harry in Goblet of Fire. He's also a prominent Hufflepuff.

Gryffindor

ENTP

Fred and George Weasley looking at someone in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 1.

ENTPs are known for their bravery and outspoken nature, which can sometimes get them in trouble. Even though they're quite charming, ENTPs - like Gryffindors - can be reckless. Their fearlessness, combined with a proclivity for the comical, does not always serve their purposes.

RELATED: 10 Things About Gryffindor House That Make No Sense In Harry Potter

Fred and George Weasley are classic examples of Gryffindors who are ENTPs. It makes sense that they would open up a joke shop in the middle of a war, and it showcases the ENTP's inherent desire to spread all that is good - love, peace, joy, and kindness.

ESTP

ESTPs are some of the bravest individuals, which makes them perfect for the house of Gryffindor. Extremely passionate about their beliefs, ESTPs have no shame when it comes to expressing their opinions, and they couldn't care less about how others might perceive their energetic nature.

Gryffindors, along with ESTPs, are often described as loud individuals who will fight - like the Gryffindor lion - for what they believe in. ESTPs are usually very hands-on and prefer to be active. One of the most notable Gryffindors who's an ESTP is Ginny Weasley. She's not afraid to stand up to teachers, her brothers, and even Death Eaters when it comes to getting her point across, and she's one of the first of Harry's friends to jump into action and want to learn more about Defense Against the Dark Arts when Dumbledore's Army begins training.

ENFP

Harry Potter Gryffindor crest

ENFPs are known for their outgoing and quirky nature. They are known to be giving, but they wouldn't fit in quite so well with Hufflepuff. ENFPs are also known for their bravery, which is Gryffindor's trademark quality. They'll stick up for what they believe in with little thought for the consequences, even if it means others will disagree with or reject them.

ENFPs are also creative people who find excitement in new processes. This is why they would best fit in with Gryffindors, who often throw rules out the window. Still, like all of the other MBTI® types, this is a unique and admirable group of people.

ENFJ

Dumbledore shutting the door to the hospital wing in Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

ENFJs are known for their leadership skills, which is also something Gryffindors are known for. Though some, like Harry, are reluctant leaders, they have a natural knack for it anyway. When the time is right, ENFJs and Gryffindors aren't afraid to express their feelings.

ENFJs feel that there's no time to be anything but honest and authentic, which makes them trustworthy and dependable. Dumbledore is a prominent ENFJ at Hogwarts, and though it takes him a while to be honest, he always strives to make others feel safe and cared about, like a true leader.

ISTP

Neville leads Hermione, Ron, and Harry down the secret passage to the Room of Requirement in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2

ISTPs are known for their bravery and natural charm. Harry himself is a classic example of an ISTP, and, of course, he is the most notable Gryffindor. ISTPs are known for being physical beings, which would make them great additions to the Quidditch team.

ISTPs, like Gryffindors, are some of the most suitable people for battling villains like Voldemort. Though staff and students from all Houses participate in the Battle of Hogwarts, the core group involved in destroying Horcruxes are Gryffindors; Neville slays Nagini, Harry defeats Voldemort, and Hermione and Ron go to the Chamber of Secrets to use Basilisk venom to destroy non-living Horcruxes. With so many of the prominent characters in the Harry Potter franchise found in Gryffindor, it's easy to see the Gryffindor traits among the MBTI® types as well.

  • Harry Potter Franchise Poster
    Harry Potter
    Created by:
    J.K. Rowling
    First Film:
    Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
    First TV Show:
    Harry Potter
    Cast:
    Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint, Tom Felton, Alan Rickman, Matthew Lewis, Bonnie Wright, Evanna Lynch, Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon, Richard Harris, Ralph Fiennes, Helena Bonham Carter, Alfred Enoch, Harry Melling, Gary Oldman, Robert Pattinson, Warwick Davis, Oliver Phelps, James Phelps, David Bradley, David Thewlis, Katie Leung, Jason Isaacs, Imelda Staunton, David Tennant, Jamie Campbell Bower, Timothy Spall, Robbie Coltrane, Eddie Redmayne, Jude Law, Katherine Waterston, Ezra Miller, Dan Fogler, Alison Sudol, Johnny Depp, Mads Mikkelsen
    TV Show(s):
    Harry Potter
    Movie(s):
    Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 1, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part 2, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Fantastic Beasts and the Crimes of Grindelwald, Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore
    Character(s):
    Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Albus Dumbledore, Minerva McGonagall, Rubeus Hagrid, Dobby the House Elf, Draco Malfoy, Sirius Black, Ginny Weasley, Voldemort