Curious about your cognitive strengths? Take our quiz, inspired by Howard Gardner, Ph.D., to uncover your dominant intelligence and areas for improvement.
Each type represents a unique way you understand the world, solve problems, and express your strengths.
This quiz isn't about overall intelligence or personal worth—it's a journey toward self-discovery. Understand your unique abilities and how to maximize them. What's your intelligence type? Find out by answering honest, insightful questions. No right or wrong answers, just authentic insights. Start the quiz now and unravel the fascinating layers of your mind!
What are the 9 types of intelligence?
According to psychologist Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, the nine types are:
people-smart (interpersonal);
number-smart (logical-mathematical);
word-smart (linguistic);
music-smart (musical);
myself-smart (intrapersonal);
picture-smart (visual-spatial);
nature-smart (naturalistic);
body-smart (bodily-kinesthetic), and
abstract-smart (existential).
Why and how to improve all 9 intelligence types
The 1980s gave us many wonderful things, and Howard Gardner’s book ‘Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences’ was one of them. It just didn’t sit right with this Harvard psychologist that intelligence is something measured by solving an equation or standardized IQ tests.
In light of this injustice, Harvard University psychologists concluded that there are nine different types of intelligence, each of them with their unique manifestations and “smarts.”
Now you are probably excited to discover your Howard Gardner’s type of intelligence. And as enlightening as it might be, it will be even better to work on improving each of them! It’s not that we possess only one kind of intelligence — we just have them developed at different levels. But developing each of them can make you perform and communicate at work more efficiently, let in your creativity and organizational skills, and in the end, get much better results.
So it’s in your power to up your game.
That’s why in this article, we’ll go through each intelligence type and different aspects of Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences. And also, we’ll include some tips on improving intelligence. There may be no quick fix, but there’s one ultimate strategy we’re sure of — the Headway app. It provides fun and easy growth, helping users to make self-development a sustainable habit with different formats that suit their needs best.
The Headway app inspires people to get learning that entertains on such topics as Productivity, Happiness. Self-Growth, Business & Career, Leadership, Negotiation, and many more. With Headway, you can watch explainers to gain more knowledge in less time, read or listen to 15-minute summaries from the best nonfiction books, get personalized recommendations, and receive curated collections according to your growth preferences.
So let’s get to the strategies for growing each intelligence type fast and efficiently and discover how the Headway app can help!
How to improve each intelligence type (with book tips)
Improving your intelligence isn’t about transforming who you are — it’s about leveling up the unique strengths you already have. Whether you're people-smart, word-smart, or nature-smart, there are simple ways to develop each of the nine types. Below, you'll find practical tips paired with powerful book recommendations to help you grow in every area.
1. Interpersonal intelligence: People-smart
🔹 Social butterflies
🔹 Empathetic
🔹 Highly perceptive
🔹 Negotiators
These people know their way around any conversation. Their charm and ability to pick up the subtlest social cues make them skillful negotiators and also earn an excellent reputation in any circle.
Thus, the two most essential words in increasing interpersonal intelligence are socializing and empathizing. And to do that effectively, make sure to check out the summary of ‘Never Split the Difference‘ by Chris Voss, Tahl Raz. This bestselling author covers everything you need to know for fruitful communication: from empathy and likeability to time-proven tips.
2. Logical intelligence: Number-smart
🔹 Highly rational
🔹 Excellent at math
🔹 Good at finding patterns and causalities
🔹 High problem-solving skills
For these people, the STEM field is their oyster. The math of any complexity comes naturally to them. And cold-blood deduction is their go-to thinking method.
How to develop this superpower? Apart from solving brain teasers from time to time, look into reading ‘A Mind for Numbers’ by Barbara Oakley. Even though she is an engineering professor now, she ignored math subjects in school pretty much. But Barbara found ways to retrain her brain, which you can find in her book, and start your journey to enhancing logical mathematical intelligence type.
3. Linguistic intelligence: Word-smart
🔹 “Walking dictionaries”
🔹 Multilingual
🔹 Eloquent and witty
🔹 Good at writing
You ask them, ‘What’s that word again?’ and they’ll always have an answer. And mostly, in different languages and with an extra pun on top. People with linguistic intelligence know their words and are not afraid to use them.
Looking to awaken your inner wordsmith? Regular reading and writing are key, but for a deeper creative unlock, turn to ‘The Artist’s Way’ by Julia Cameron. This beloved classic guides you through daily practices like Morning Pages and artist dates to break through creative blocks and reconnect with your linguistic potential. Dive into the summary on the Headway app for actionable inspiration to boost your word-smart intelligence.
4. Musical intelligence: Music-smart
🔹 Great sense of rhythm
🔹 Highly sensitive to sound
🔹 Good with musical instruments and singing
🔹 Can think in music
It’s easy to spot these people: always humming a tune or tapping to some rhythm. However, the musical intelligence type is not just about making music. It can also be about a high appreciation of melodies and enjoying them like others don’t.
For slipping into the world of chords and pitches, ‘Music Theory’ by Nicolar Carter is your key. Not only is it easy to digest and highly informative, but also perfect for any level of music knowledge. And after you’re through with it, your favorite songs will gain a whole new layer of sound.
5. Intrapersonal intelligence: Myself-smart
🔹 Very self-aware
🔹 Always self-reflecting
🔹 Mostly introverted
🔹 Empathetic
An intrapersonal intelligence type comes from a deep understanding of your inner world and your own feelings. Such people know what they feel, want, and need, which is a foundation for achieving your goals and following your passions. Moreover, this profound introspection makes them empathy pros.
If you want to strengthen your intrapersonal intelligence, start with self-reflection — journaling, mindful observation, and emotional check-ins. To take it a step further, explore ‘Emotional Intelligence 2.0’ by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves. This practical guide offers proven strategies for increasing self-awareness and managing emotions effectively. You’ll find actionable insights in the summary on the Headway app to help you better understand yourself and navigate your inner world with clarity.
6. Visual-spatial intelligence: Picture-smart
🔹 Strong imagination
🔹 High sense of direction
🔹 Very creative
🔹 Often daydreaming
For “picture-smart” people, it’s a no-brainer to visualize anything they think of. A vivid imagination and spatial reasoning are their main perk, making them creative and artistic.
If you want to learn more about ethical design and improve your design skills, check out ‘Design for the Real World’ by Victor Papanek. A pioneer in socially responsible design, Papanek challenges you to think critically about form, function, and purpose. His insights will not only expand your creative thinking but also ground it in real-world impact — and the summary on the Headway app is the perfect place to start.
7. Naturalistic intelligence: Nature-smart
🔹 In touch with the natural world
🔹 Animal lovers
🔹 Apply scientific theories in real life
🔹 Good at gardening/farming
Naturalistic intelligence, what’s that like? Incredibly sensual, for sure! Such people are one whole with Mother Nature and easily discern different animals or plants.
The journey toward developing this intelligence type is deeply grounding and restorative. Spending time in nature, observing the natural world's rhythms, and reading ‘The Hidden Life of Trees’ by Peter Wohlleben can deepen your connection with the environment. This fascinating book reveals the complex, almost magical ways trees communicate, support one another, and sustain ecosystems. Explore its summary on the Headway app to grow your nature-smart intelligence and see the forest with new eyes.
8. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence: Body-smart
🔹 Strong sense of timing
🔹 Good motor control
🔹 Multitaskers
🔹 Mind-body connection
Kinesthetic intelligence is all about feeling your body and truly attuning to it. And not just in an athletic way — people who are great at handmaking also fall under this type.
The first step to boosting your bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is developing a strong connection with your body — understanding its needs, movements, and performance potential. For a data-driven, unconventional approach, turn to ‘The 4-Hour Body’ by Timothy Ferriss. Packed with experiments, hacks, and science-backed techniques, this book offers practical ways to improve strength, endurance, and body awareness. Check out the summary on the Headway app to start mastering your body-smart intelligence efficiently.
9. Existential intelligence: Abstract-smart
🔹 Highly spiritual
🔹 Very considerate
🔹 Deep thinkers
🔹 Asking big questions about life and death
Ah, the philosophers. These people are not to be satisfied with small talk or superficial chitchat. Their mind is always wondering about big questions and sophisticated matters. So if someone were to finally discover the true meaning of life, it’d be one of these folks.
So, how can you strengthen your existential intelligence? Start by reflecting on life’s deeper questions through timeless philosophical works. One of the most powerful is ‘Meditations’ by Marcus Aurelius — a collection of personal writings that explore purpose, virtue, and inner peace. Dive into the summary on the Headway app to gain practical wisdom from this Stoic emperor and nurture your abstract-smart intelligence with clarity and depth.
Improve all of your intelligence types with Headway
We all have different learning styles — whether through body movements, telling stories, or picking up on nonverbal communication. Inspired by Gardner’s book ‘Frames of Mind’, Headway helps you discover and develop your unique strengths beyond traditional intelligence tests.
Whether you're a social worker, sculptor, or someone with a feel for timbre and temperament, you’ll find personalized insights that match how you learn best. Get started with Headway - and learn as you go!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there 7 or 8 intelligences?
Howard Gardner initially proposed seven intelligences in 1983. He later added an eighth — naturalistic intelligence, which focuses on sensitivity to the natural world. Over time, some scholars and educators have even proposed a ninth and beyond, but the original seven and extended eight remain the most commonly taught in early versions of the theory.
What are the 12 multiple intelligences?
While Gardner himself outlined up to nine types, some educators and theorists have expanded his model to include 12 intelligences. These extended versions often build on existing types by adding categories like emotional intelligence, moral intelligence, or digital intelligence. However, Gardner has not officially endorsed these additions, and the widely recognized list still includes nine core types.
What are the four main types of intelligence?
In traditional psychology, the “four types of intelligence” often refer to:
Intellectual (IQ) – problem-solving and reasoning
Emotional (EQ) – recognizing and managing emotions
Social intelligence – navigating social situations
Practical intelligence – applying knowledge to real-world tasks
While this classification differs from Gardner’s framework, it highlights how intelligence is multifaceted and context-dependent.
What is the rarest type of intelligence?
Existential intelligence is often considered the rarest. It reflects a person’s ability to ponder deep philosophical questions about life, death, meaning, and human existence. Because it’s difficult to measure and not typically emphasized in formal education, it tends to appear less frequently in the population.
What is the highest form of intelligence?
There’s no single “highest” form of intelligence — it depends on the context and the goals of the individual. However, many researchers argue that self-awareness (intrapersonal intelligence) or emotional intelligence are among the most essential for personal growth, leadership, and long-term success. These types often underpin our ability to learn, adapt, and relate meaningfully to others.
Are there different types of geniuses?
Yes, genius isn’t limited to math or science. Someone might be a musical genius, a social genius, or a creative genius. Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences supports the idea that brilliance can show up in many forms — from solving equations to composing symphonies, understanding people, or caring for the environment.
What are the 8 different types of intelligence?
The eight intelligences commonly referenced in Gardner’s expanded model are:
Linguistic (word-smart)
Logical-mathematical (number-smart)
Musical (music-smart)
Bodily-kinesthetic (body-smart)
Spatial (picture-smart)
Interpersonal (people-smart)
Intrapersonal (myself-smart)
Naturalistic (nature-smart)
Some models stop here, while others include a ninth type: existential intelligence.
