Psychology

Dark Triad Personality Test

Discover your level of three dark personality traits - Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy. A scientifically validated tool for deeper self-awareness.

~3 minutes 27 questions 3 dimensions
Start test for free
4.5 / 5 (1,843 ratings)

What you'll learn from the test

The test reveals your position on three scales of dark personality traits.

Dark profile

You'll discover your percentage score in each of the three dimensions - Machiavellianism, Narcissism, and Psychopathy.

Personality archetype

Based on your score combinations, we'll determine your personality archetype and dominant dark trait.

Practical applications

Self-awareness for better relationships, communication, and career decisions.

How the test works

1

27 questions

For each statement, you choose your level of agreement on a scale of 1-5, from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree".

2

Instant results

Based on your answers, we immediately calculate your score across the three dimensions of the Dark Triad.

3

Detailed analysis

In the extended version, you'll get a detailed breakdown of your profile, personality archetype, and practical recommendations.

3 dimensions of the Dark Triad

Every person has a certain degree of these three personality traits.

M
Machiavellianism Strategic and manipulative thinking, cynical view of human nature, self-interest orientation.
N
Narcissism Grandiosity, need for admiration, sense of uniqueness and entitlement to special treatment.
P
Psychopathy Impulsivity, low empathy, boldness and tendency toward antisocial behavior.

What you get

Basic results are completely free. The extended version offers a complete analysis.

Basic

Free
  • Scores in all 3 dimensions
  • Dark Triad graphical profile
  • Basic interpretation
  • Radar chart

Extended results

$1.29 helps fund the project
  • Everything from the basic version
  • Detailed description of each dimension
  • Personality archetype
  • Relationships and communication style
  • Career recommendations

Important note: This test does not measure personality disorders. Every person has a certain degree of these traits - they are part of normal personality. A high score does not mean a diagnosis, but a tendency toward a given behavioral style.

What is the Dark Triad?

The Dark Triad is a psychological concept encompassing three interconnected but distinct personality traits: Machiavellianism (manipulative and strategic behavior), Narcissism (grandiosity and sense of uniqueness), and Psychopathy (low empathy and impulsivity). The concept was introduced by Paulhus and Williams in 2002.

Our test uses the Short Dark Triad (SD3) - a standardized questionnaire developed by Jones and Paulhus (2014). SD3 contains 27 items (9 per dimension) and is one of the most widely used and validated instruments for measuring the Dark Triad in subclinical populations.

Unlike clinical diagnostic instruments, SD3 measures these traits as continuous dimensions of normal personality - every person falls somewhere on the scale from low to high for each trait. Research shows that moderate levels of these traits can be adaptive in certain contexts, such as leadership, negotiation, or competitive environments.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Dark Triad?

The Dark Triad is a psychological concept encompassing three dark personality traits: Machiavellianism (strategic manipulative thinking), Narcissism (grandiosity and need for admiration), and Psychopathy (low empathy and impulsivity). These traits are present in every person to varying degrees.

Is a high score bad?

Not necessarily. This test does not measure personality disorders, but normal personality variations. A certain degree of these traits can be advantageous in some situations - for example, self-confidence (narcissism), strategic thinking (Machiavellianism), or boldness (psychopathy). A high score indicates a tendency, not a diagnosis.

Is the test scientifically validated?

Yes. The test is based on the Short Dark Triad (SD3) questionnaire developed by Jones and Paulhus (2014). SD3 is one of the most widely used instruments for measuring the Dark Triad, and its validity and reliability have been confirmed in numerous international studies.

How long does the test take?

The test contains 27 questions and most people complete it in approximately 3 minutes. For each question, you choose your level of agreement on a scale from "strongly disagree" to "strongly agree".

Are my results confidential?

Yes. Your results are completely confidential. They are not shared with third parties and serve only for your personal self-discovery.

Ready to discover your dark profile?

27 questions. 3 minutes. Instant results.

Start test for free