The Real Difference Between the INFJ and INFP

Although INFJs and INFPs may seem very similar on the outside, they perceive the world in completely different ways.

On the surface, the INFJ and INFP personalities might seem almost identical. According to the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator theory, both are introverted, and they’re known for being creative, idealistic, and caring.

However, when you look closer, they’re quite different. In fact, they don’t have a single cognitive function in common.

If you’re unsure whether you’re an INFJ or an INFP, you’re not alone. It can be tricky to tell them apart, especially since many websites gloss over their real difference: their cognitive functions.

Cognitive Functions of INFJ vs. INFP

Let’s delve into cognitive functions, widely regarded by most MBTI practitioners as the best indicator of personality type. According to the official Myers & Briggs Foundation website, cognitive functions are “attitudes” that can be expressed in either “the inner world or the outer world.” When a cognitive function is extraverted, it shows outwardly, and others can see it as part of the person’s character and personality. When it’s introverted, it remains internal, and others might not even realize it’s there.

Despite the single-letter difference between the INFJ and INFP, their cognitive functions are entirely opposite. In descending order of dominance, the cognitive functions of the INFJ are:

Introverted Intuition (Ni)
Extraverted Feeling (Fe)
Introverted Thinking (Ti)
Extraverted Sensing (Se)

The cognitive functions of the INFP are:

Introverted Feeling (Fi)
Extraverted Intuition (Ne)
Introverted Sensing (Si)
Extraverted Thinking (Te)

Notice how the INFJ and INFP don’t have any cognitive functions in common. As a result, they perceive and interact with the world in completely different ways. Keep these cognitive functions in mind as we explore how INFJs and INFPs differ in their thinking and behavior.

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Subtle Differences Between INFJ and INFP

First, let me clarify: Your personality type isn’t meant to be a cage — it’s meant to help you understand yourself better and develop as a person. If you don’t perfectly align with these descriptions of the INFJ and the INFP, that’s totally fine. All of us have had unique experiences that have shaped our personalities, including our family upbringing, culture, and the choices we’ve made.

That said, here are four general ways that INFJs and INFPs think and behave differently:

1. Analytical vs. artistic

INFJs tend to seem more structured, focused, and analytical, while INFPs come across as open-minded, spontaneous, and artistic.

Why?

INFJs process the world primarily through their Introverted Intuition, a function that’s all about recognizing patterns, revealing insights, and testing gut hunches. However, this function is introverted and hidden from others. As a result, while INFJs are curious about exploring new ideas, theories, and perspectives, this aspect of their personality may not be visible to others.

It is the INFJ’s second function, Extraverted Feeling, that is expressed outwardly. As a Judging function, Extraverted Feeling makes INFJs appear structured and focused, even though they may feel creative and open-minded internally.

INFPs, on the other hand, primarily process the world through their hidden Judging function, Introverted Feeling. Extraverted Intuition, a Perceiving function, is the one that is expressed outwardly. Extraverted Intuition is all about considering multiple points of view and having a sense of wonderment toward life’s mysteries. As a result, INFPs appear spontaneous and artistic, even though they may feel analytical internally.

Deep down, if you feel more artistic than you appear, you might be an INFJ. But if you feel more analytical than you appear, you might be an INFP.

2. Awareness of others’ feelings vs. awareness of their own

Due to their Extraverted Feeling function, INFJs naturally tune into the moods and emotions of those around them. This sensitivity often endows INFJs with a high degree of empathy, making them well-suited for careers in therapy, social work, and counseling.

Their Extraverted Feeling often means that INFJs have perfected their social game. They naturally know how to act and what to say to make a positive impression. They understand the hidden rules of interaction.

However, for INFJs, there’s a dark side: They might rely too heavily on their Extraverted Feeling, using it to hide their true selves and emotions because being more genuine makes them feel vulnerable. They may also struggle to identify their own feelings, or they might absorb the stress and negativity of others, experiencing these emotions as if they were their own.

In contrast, INFPs naturally connect with their own feelings because their Feeling function is introverted. Known as “masters of emotion,” they may understand the human condition better than any other personality type. This deep emotional insight often shines through in their art, writing, or other creative endeavors.

That doesn’t mean INFPs lack empathy for others. On the contrary, they can easily imagine what others are experiencing. They often feel a strong concern for others, especially those in distress. Like INFJs, they may also find themselves trying too hard to please others, and they could be considered highly sensitive people.

(Are you a highly sensitive person? Here are 27 “strange” things highly sensitive people do.)

In addition, INFPs may be more likely to make social faux pas because they often wear their hearts on their sleeves. They may struggle with navigating the middle ground between being strangers and best friends. For INFPs, interactions are either superficial and polite, simply fulfilling social roles, or deeply personal, where they feel close enough to share their innermost thoughts without any filter.

In short, if you feel you march to the beat of your own drum, you might be an INFP. But if you’re very attuned to others’ emotions — sometimes feeling overwhelmed by them — you might be an INFJ.

3. Seeking insight vs. exploring the human condition

The analytical INFJ is driven to seek insight. They are drawn to topics like psychology, personal growth, spirituality, current events, and fictional stories that reveal human nature. The philosophers Nietzsche and Schopenhauer were likely INFJs.

This aligns with the INFJ’s habit of observing, recognizing patterns, and making deductions. A.J. Drenth of Personality Junkie describes INFJs as social analysts or prophets, interpreting what they see and advocating for social or moral reforms when needed.

INFJs take their time to reach conclusions, which then often become “the truth” for them. Consequently, they can be quite rigid with their opinions, plans, and viewpoints. They may struggle to absorb new information once they believe they have “figured it out.” They find comfort in being able to define and predict how things are, and can become unsettled when they realize they don’t have all the answers.

INFPs are more interested in exploring the human condition — the hardships, joys, and underlying emotions of human experiences. Writers Virginia Woolf and Albert Camus are thought to have been INFPs.

INFPs may immerse themselves in gathering information to the point where they struggle to trust their own perspectives. They are aware that there’s always more information they might have missed, or new circumstances that could change everything. This makes them constantly reconsider their viewpoints, as there’s always another way to look at a situation.

Consider my INFP friend and myself, an INFJ, as examples. I enjoy reading fiction with a strong plot and a clear message or takeaway at the end. In contrast, my INFP friend is less focused on the plot and prefers to delve into characters’ minds and experiences.

4. Outer control vs. inner control

Outwardly, INFJs often appear organized, calm, and composed. As Judging types, they are typically orderly, punctual, and like to have a general plan in place. At times, they may struggle to let go of control.

However, internally, INFJs may not feel as “together.” Again, their Introverted Intuition, a Perceiving function, makes their internal world more open, flexible, and exploratory than it might seem from the outside.

For INFPs, the situation is reversed. Outwardly, they seem adaptable and easygoing, less concerned with deadlines, schedules, and maintaining order. Unlike INFJs, INFPs might find it challenging to take charge. As a result, INFPs might seek out people who allow them to take a step back and let go of control. (For this reason, INFJs and INFPs are often highly compatible with each other.) Inwardly, however, INFPs tend to feel structured and rigid, similar to Judging types.

There’s a saying in the MBTI community: If you often think, “I’m not as put-together as I seem,” you might be an IJ personality type, like the INFJ. But if you find yourself thinking, “I’m much more organized than I appear,” you might be an IP type, like the INFP.

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