Enneagram Compatibility Study on 457 Married Couples
We compiled the following table using data from 457 married couples who self-reported their Enneagram types.
The values were normalized so that each type is equally represented (following
Sinkhorn’s theorem). This gives us an idea of the proportion of marriages formed by each type.
For example, 14.15% of
Type 3s married
Type 1s.
| Type |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
9 |
| 1 |
5.48% |
10.22% |
14.15% |
9.06% |
17.17% |
8.33% |
17.30% |
6.99% |
11.32% |
| 2 |
10.22% |
0.00% |
9.43% |
15.36% |
15.66% |
13.67% |
6.78% |
20.70% |
8.17% |
| 3 |
14.15% |
9.43% |
5.08% |
8.86% |
7.78% |
17.94% |
17.53% |
5.01% |
14.22% |
| 4 |
9.06% |
15.36% |
8.86% |
12.38% |
8.15% |
6.74% |
9.18% |
17.51% |
12.76% |
| 5 |
17.17% |
15.66% |
7.78% |
8.15% |
5.96% |
13.75% |
16.79% |
3.84% |
10.90% |
| 6 |
8.33% |
13.67% |
17.94% |
6.74% |
13.75% |
3.00% |
7.14% |
14.53% |
14.90% |
| 7 |
17.30% |
6.78% |
17.53% |
9.18% |
16.79% |
7.14% |
3.78% |
10.10% |
11.39% |
| 8 |
6.99% |
20.70% |
5.01% |
17.51% |
3.84% |
14.53% |
10.10% |
6.60% |
14.71% |
| 9 |
11.32% |
8.17% |
14.22% |
12.76% |
10.90% |
14.90% |
11.39% |
14.71% |
1.62% |
The average should be around 10%. Therefore, when a combination exceeds this rate, it suggests a more frequent attraction or understanding between the two types. We notice the combinations are well dispersed, and no combination exceeds 20.70%. This clearly demonstrates that each type has multiple possibilities for relationships. Some pairings are slightly more frequent than others, suggesting possible complementarity. For example:
-
Many Type 1s are in a relationship with
Type 7 (17.30%).
This couple is highly complementary, since Type 1 focuses on order and organization and brings stability to the relationship, while Type 7 encourages letting go and having fun. Also, Type 1 is often more introverted, and Type 7 stimulates their social life.
-
Many Type 2s are with
Type 8 (20.7%).
This couple also exhibits strong complementarity. Type 8 is highly rational, oriented toward control/power, and likes to lead. Type 2, on the other hand, is very emotionally attuned and loves to support and devote themselves to another person. Type 8 brings order and logic; Type 2 adds support and emotional connection.
-
A large number of Type 3s are with
Type 6 (17.94%).
This couple is highly complementary because Type 6 is often more introverted, while Type 3 is more extroverted. Type 3 likes to lead the relationship with strong relational skills, while Type 6 feels reassured by that leadership. Furthermore, Type 3 is very ambitious, methodical, and organized, and Type 6’s in-depth analysis helps refine their plans.
-
Many Type 4s are in a relationship with
Type 8 (17.51%).
These two types can be extremely emotionally intense and share a strong connection. Type 4 helps Type 8 better connect with their emotions, while Type 8 provides action and follow-through. Both have a knack for “thinking outside the box” and value each other’s authenticity.
-
Many Type 5s are with
Type 1 (17.17%).
Both types are very independent, self-sufficient, and often introverted. It’s a calm, intellectual relationship in which they support each other: Type 5 contributes diverse perspectives, and Type 1 provides order, discipline, and stability.
-
Many Type 6s are paired with
Type 9 (14.90%).
This is a fairly complementary couple. Both types are often quite introverted. Type 9’s natural behavior is reassuring and tranquil for Type 6, who brings stability and structure to the relationship. Both value security and stability and understand each other well.
-
A substantial share of Type 7s are with
Type 3 (17.53%).
This couple is very complementary. Type 3 is ambitious, methodical, and organized, while Type 7 helps them loosen up and enjoy life. Both tend to be extroverted, enjoy an active social life, and share a strong rapport.
-
Many Type 8s are with
Type 9 (14.71%).
These two types complement each other well. Type 8 likes to be in charge, while Type 9 prefers a supportive role. Type 9 contributes gentleness and calm, and Type 8 provides stimulation. They both enjoy tranquility and being each other’s refuge.
-
Many Type 9s are with
Type 3 (14.22%).
Type 3 is very ambitious and sociable, while Type 9 is an excellent source of support. Additionally, Type 3 greatly appreciates Type 9’s tolerance, where they can be themselves without wearing masks. Type 9 enjoys being carried along by Type 3’s many projects. These two types can be very complementary.
Click here to access all type pairings, with a description of their points of attraction and potential challenges.
Which Enneagram Types Are the Most Compatible?
The study results clearly highlight that certain Enneagram couples are more frequent than others:
-
Type 1 often marries
Type 7 (17.30%),
Type 5 (17.17%), or
Type 3 (14.15%).
-
Type 2 with
Type 8 (20.7%),
Type 5 (15.66%), and
Type 4 (15.36%).
-
Type 3 with
Type 6 (17.94%),
Type 7 (17.53%), and
Type 9 (14.15%).
-
Type 4 with
Type 8 (17.51%) and
Type 2 (15.36%).
-
Type 5 with
Type 1 (17.17%),
Type 7 (16.79%), and
Type 2 (15.66%).
-
Type 6 with
Type 3 (17.94%),
Type 9 (14.90%), and
Type 8 (14.53%).
-
Type 7 with
Type 3 (17.53%),
Type 1 (17.30%), and
Type 5 (16.79%).
-
Type 8 with
Type 2 (20.70%),
Type 4 (17.51%),
Type 9 (14.71%), and
Type 6 (14.53%).
-
Type 9 with
Type 6 (14.90%),
Type 8 (14.71%), and
Type 3 (14.22%).
These frequencies are higher and have their own rationale, which you can explore in the list of couples and their descriptions.
However, they’re not overwhelming: no single combination exceeds 21% on its own or 70% when combining the most frequent ones. This leaves plenty of room for less frequent pairings, which can also be healthy and complementary.
Are There Any Incompatible Enneagram Types?
No. All Enneagram types can be compatible. Some pairings are more common, likely because people are drawn to traits that differ from their own (for instance, emotional vs. rational). Certain types may have higher concentrations of emotional or rational traits, but each type also has individuals who don’t strictly follow the broader trend. Our MBTI–Enneagram correlation study shows that, despite noticeable correlations, there’s still a lot of diversity within each type.
Also, an Enneagram type only defines part of someone’s personality. It corresponds to a
compulsion that a person is sensitive to and might allow to run their life.
The purpose of the Enneagram is to make those who study it aware of this compulsion, so they’re no longer controlled by it but rather develop self-mastery and live more harmoniously with themselves. Hence, the Enneagram doesn’t describe a person’s entire personality.
From the study of 457 marriages above, we can see that all type combinations occurred (except for two Type 2s together, likely due to insufficient total cases). If people got married, there was presumably a serious relationship and mutual long-term commitment—people generally don’t marry on a whim.
As an example, consider two Type 2 partners. Their lower marriage frequency may partly be due to the Type 2 compulsion of putting others’ needs first and overlooking their own. Two Type 2s might then struggle to let the other care for them. However, if both learn to acknowledge their own needs, a two–Type-2 couple becomes much more feasible.
Ultimately, any couple of any Enneagram types can form a good relationship, especially if both partners are in harmony with themselves, have greater self-awareness, and work toward mutual understanding and harmony.
Are You Preparing an Even Broader Study?
Yes. Four hundred fifty-seven marriages is already significant, but it could be much larger if we conducted a broader study with everyone who takes
our test and ensured that their Enneagram type is accurately identified with
our reliable algorithm. The data for this study came from an unidentified external source (mentioned in several blogs and forums), and there are no other known sources.
Still, the data from this 457-marriage study, once normalized using our unique approach (via
Sinkhorn’s theorem), largely correlates with our own theories of Enneagram compatibility. We had previously established a chart with similar conclusions, which is why we find these results at least indicative.
Thus, certain Enneagram couples are indeed more frequent than others. But it’s essential to keep in mind that all combinations are possible. A person’s entire personality can’t be reduced to their Enneagram type, which only describes part of who they are—and that part can vary greatly depending on one’s
level of inner harmony.
We’re beginning a larger study at the very moment this article is published (2024-12-23). The statistics table may be updated later with results from our new study.