Psychology · Personality

How Strong Are Your Dark Triad Traits?

A free test measuring Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy — three personality traits everyone carries to some degree, studied extensively in personality psychology.

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27 questions · 4 minutes · No email required

About the Dark Triad test

The Dark Triad is a term from personality psychology describing three related but distinct traits: Machiavellianism (strategic, manipulative thinking about relationships and influence), Narcissism (grandiosity and a strong need for admiration), and Psychopathy (reduced empathy, impulsivity, and emotional detachment). These traits exist on a spectrum in the general population — nearly everyone has some degree of each, and having elevated traits doesn't mean you meet criteria for a clinical personality disorder.

This test gives you a percentage breakdown across all three dimensions, plus an overall profile — not to label you, but to help you understand these tendencies honestly, including both the real costs they can carry in relationships and work, and the situations where these same traits can function as genuine strengths.

Three steps to your result

1

Answer 27 questions

One question at a time, on a five-point scale from Strongly Disagree to Strongly Agree. There are no right or wrong answers — only honest ones.

2

Get your trait profile

Scored across three dimensions — Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy — to place you on the overall spectrum.

3

Explore what it means

A results page that goes beyond a score: how these traits typically show up in relationships and work, and how to work with them honestly.

Take the Free Test →

27 questions · 4 minutes · No email required

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Dark Triad?
The Dark Triad is a term from personality psychology referring to three related traits: Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy. It was first studied together as a cluster by researchers Delroy Paulhus and Kevin Williams in 2002, and has since become one of the most widely researched frameworks in personality psychology.
Does a high score mean I have a personality disorder?
No. This test measures subclinical personality traits that exist on a spectrum in the general population, not clinical diagnoses like Narcissistic Personality Disorder or Antisocial Personality Disorder, which require specific diagnostic criteria assessed by a licensed clinician. Most people with elevated traits on this test do not meet criteria for any disorder.
Is it bad to score high on this test?
Not inherently. These traits exist on a spectrum for a reason — in moderate doses, they're associated with real advantages in certain contexts, including leadership, negotiation, and high-pressure decision-making. The concern is mainly when these traits significantly and repeatedly harm your relationships or the people around you.
How long does the test take?
About 4 minutes — 27 questions, answered one at a time on a five-point scale.
Is this test scientifically based?
Yes — it's inspired by established personality psychology research on the Dark Triad, including instruments like the Short Dark Triad (SD3) and the Dirty Dozen. This test is designed for self-reflection and insight, not as a clinical diagnostic tool.
Can these traits change over time?
Personality traits, including these, tend to be relatively stable but not fixed — life experience, relationships, and deliberate self-work can shift how strongly these tendencies show up and how much they influence your behavior.

Ready to see your results?

27 questions. About 4 minutes. Completely private.

Take the Free Test →