TIPI: Ten-Item Personality Inventory

Ultra-brief measure of the Big Five personality dimensions. ≈ 2 min to complete. Free with attribution.

personality 10 items ≈ 2 min Updated 2026-05-06

Score TIPI below → Download printable PDF View source paper (DOI)
What is TIPI? TIPI (Ten-Item Personality Inventory) is a validated instrument used to assess ultra-brief measure of the big five personality dimensions.. It is used in ultra-brief measure of the big five personality dimensions.. It comprises 10 items. Administration takes about 2 min.

What is TIPI?

TIPI (Ten-Item Personality Inventory) is a validated clinical instrument used to assess ultra-brief measure of the big five personality dimensions.. It is most often used for ultra-brief measure of the big five personality dimensions.. The instrument contains 10 items. Typical administration time is ≈ 2 min.

Source / attribution: Free to use with citation

Clinical context: when TIPI is used

Ultra-brief measure of the Big Five personality dimensions. TIPI is part of standard practice in this setting because it provides a structured, replicable assessment that can be tracked over time and compared across patients or visits.

Like all screening or assessment instruments, TIPI is a structured aid — not a diagnostic test in isolation. Results should be interpreted alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Where a score crosses an actionable threshold, the next step is typically a more detailed clinical evaluation rather than a definitive diagnosis.

Score TIPI

Answer all 10 items below to see your TIPI score and interpretation.

Each item is scored on a 7-point scale (1–7). Your score updates live as you answer.

All scoring runs in your browser. No data is sent anywhere — close the tab and the answers are gone.

How TIPI is scored

Two items per dimension scored 1-7. Each dimension range 2-14. Higher = stronger trait.

Scoring notes: Two items per dimension scored 1-7. Each dimension range 2-14. Higher = stronger trait.

TIPI score interpretation

The cutoffs below are drawn from the published validation literature. Always interpret in clinical context.

Score rangeBandInterpretation
2–14Variable by dimensionNone

How to score TIPI: a step-by-step worked example

This is an illustrative walkthrough, not a real patient. Follow the same four steps with your own answers — or use the live calculator at the top of this page.

Step 1 — Score each item

Read each question and choose the response that best fits. Each response has a number next to it — that number is the item's score. The example below uses illustrative answers.

#ItemExample responseScore
1Extraverted, enthusiasticDisagree strongly1
2Critical, quarrelsomeAgree strongly1
3Dependable, self-disciplinedDisagree strongly1
4Anxious, easily upsetAgree strongly1
5Open to new experiences, complexDisagree strongly1
6Reserved, quietAgree strongly1
7Sympathetic, warmDisagree strongly1
8Disorganized, carelessAgree strongly1
9Calm, emotionally stableDisagree strongly1
10Conventional, uncreativeAgree strongly1

Step 2 — Add up the scores

Add up all the item scores you noted in Step 1.

1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 10

Step 3 — Look up the band

Find the row in the interpretation table whose range contains your total:

Total = 10 falls between 2 and 14Variable by dimension

Step 4 — What does this mean clinically?

Variable by dimension. None

A score is one input alongside history and examination. TIPI supports clinical judgment — it does not replace it.

Score TIPI with your own answers above →

TIPI psychometric properties

Psychometric figures are drawn from the validation literature and may vary across clinical populations and translations.

Limitations & common pitfalls

How TIPI compares to other personality scales

If TIPI doesn't fit your context, related instruments in personality include:

ScaleMeasuresItemsTime
LOT-R10-item measure of dispositional optimism with 4 filler items.10≈ 2 min
BIS/BAS20-item measure of sensitivity to reward (BAS) and punishment (BIS).24≈ 5 min
PHQ-9Severity of depression9≈ 3 minutes
GAD-7Severity of generalized anxiety7≈ 2 minutes
AUDIT10-item WHO screening tool for hazardous alcohol consumption and dependence.10≈ 3 min
CHA2DS2-VAScAnnual stroke risk in non-valvular atrial fibrillation8
Glasgow Coma ScaleLevel of consciousness after head injury3
MELD-Na3-month mortality in advanced liver disease; transplant prioritization5

Frequently asked questions about TIPI

What does TIPI measure?

TIPI (Ten-Item Personality Inventory) is a validated instrument that assesses ultra-brief measure of the big five personality dimensions.. Its primary clinical use is ultra-brief measure of the big five personality dimensions..

How long does TIPI take to complete?

TIPI typically takes ≈ 2 min to administer. Time can vary slightly depending on whether it is self-administered or clinician-led.

How many items are on TIPI?

TIPI contains 10 items. Items are summed to produce a total score.

What is a high TIPI score?

Scores of 2–14 fall in the "Variable by dimension" band. None

What is a low TIPI score?

Scores of 2–14 fall in the "Variable by dimension" band. None

How reliable is TIPI?

TIPI has reported Cronbach's α of 0.68 in validation samples and test–retest reliability of 0.7. Acceptable reliability given brevity; useful for large surveys.

Is TIPI free to use?

TIPI is free to use with attribution. Free to use with citation

What is the source paper for TIPI?

Gosling, S. D., Rentfrow, P. J., & Swann, W. B. (2003). A very brief measure of the Big-Five personality domains. Journal of Research in Personality, 37(6), 504-528.

Can TIPI replace clinical judgment?

No. TIPI is a structured assessment aid. A score is one input alongside history, examination, and clinical context. Treatment decisions should never rest on a screening score alone.

References & validation

TIPI is supported by the following peer-reviewed sources: