Your narcissism profile
A made-up example that shows what you get after the test. Take the test to get your own result.
Grandiose narcissism
The average of your four percentiles
You score higher than most on narcissistic traits. You like to be noticed and to have influence, and you may expect more of others than they expect of you. Look at the four sides below to see what drives the score: the urge to lead is something quite different from a willingness to exploit others.
Four sides of narcissism
Narcissism is not one thing. Research on the best-known narcissism questionnaire points to three parts: leadership and authority, grandiose exhibitionism, and entitlement and exploitativeness. Here the last part is split in two. The first two can also come with strengths; the last two are the ones most likely to cause problems for others.
Wanting power, control and to have the last word
Higher than about 99 % of the comparison sample
You like to be in charge and often want things done your way. That can make you decisive and good at taking the lead, but others may experience you as controlling or demanding.
This side is about wanting to lead and to decide. In moderation it can make you a natural leader; at the extreme it becomes bossiness and a need to control others.
Wanting to be seen, admired and to stand out
Higher than about 43 % of the comparison sample
You enjoy some attention and can stand out when it suits you, without needing the spotlight all the time.
This side is about the need for attention: enjoying the spotlight, standing out and using charm and looks to make an impression.
Feeling special and better than others
Higher than about 99 % of the comparison sample
You feel that you deserve more than others and that the usual rules do not quite apply to you. Others may experience this as arrogance, and it can strain relationships over time.
This side is about expecting special treatment and seeing yourself as above others. It is one of the core features of narcissism and the side most closely linked to conflict.
Using others for your own gain
Higher than about 85 % of the comparison sample
You are more willing than most to bend the truth or use others to reach your goals. It may work in the short term, but it tends to cost trust and relationships in the long run.
This side is about being willing to take advantage of, deceive or exploit other people to get what you want. It is the side of narcissism with the clearest cost for others.
A high score does not mean you are a narcissist in the clinical sense or a bad person. Narcissistic personality disorder can only be diagnosed by a professional. Grandiose and vulnerable narcissism are different things, and this test only measures the grandiose side: a fragile self-image, hypersensitivity to criticism and a hidden need for admiration are not covered.
The comparison sample is university students in New Zealand (Sellbom and colleagues, 2024). Percentiles are estimated from the sample's averages and spread, and most people score low on these scales, so treat the numbers as approximate.
Explore your dark side
Narcissism is one of the four dark traits. The dark personality test also measures Machiavellianism, psychopathy and sadism.
Take the dark personality test