IPIP-NEO-120 Personality Inventory

Scale Overview & Construct

The validated 120-item short form of the IPIP-NEO, covering the same Five Factor domains and 30 facets.

120-Item Scale Likert Self-Report Dimensional Breakdown Server-Side Validated

Purpose & Measurement Objectives

The IPIP-NEO-120 is the validated 120-item short form of the full 300-item IPIP-NEO, built to measure the same Five Factor Model of personality — Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness — and the same 30 lower-level facets, using 4 items per facet instead of 10. Taking it gives you the same 30-facet personality profile as the full inventory in roughly a third of the time, trading some precision for length. It's a good option when you want a genuine multi-facet Big Five profile without committing to the full 300-item version.

Instrument Specifications

Target Population

Adults

Administration Format

Self-Administered

Intended Domain / Purpose

Research & Empirical Study

Recommended Age Bracket

18+

Duration & Pacing

15 Minutes (Self-Paced)

Access License

Open Creative Commons

Academic Citation & Instrument Provenance

When referencing this instrument in research, academic theses, or clinical institutional audits, please cite the original author publication:

License: Public Domain (International Personality Item Pool, ipip.ori.org). Citation: Johnson, J. A. (2014). Measuring thirty facets of the Five Factor Model with a 120-item measure: The IPIP-NEO-120. Journal of Research in Personality, 51, 78-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2014.05.003. This is not a diagnostic tool. Facet scores reflect this test's own item pool only — they are not compared against a published clinical or population norm; no such norm has been entered for this instrument.

Governance, Boundaries & Ethical Use

Construct Boundaries & Interpretive Limitations

Because each facet is measured with only 4 items instead of 10, individual facet scores are less precise than the full 300-item IPIP-NEO. Results reflect how you currently see yourself, not an objective or clinical evaluation of personality.

License: Public Domain (International Personality Item Pool, ipip.ori.org). Citation: Johnson, J. A. (2014). Measuring thirty facets of the Five Factor Model with a 120-item measure: The IPIP-NEO-120. Journal of Research in Personality, 51, 78-89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jrp.2014.05.003. This is not a diagnostic tool. Facet scores reflect this test's own item pool only — they are not compared against a published clinical or population norm; no such norm has been entered for this instrument.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the IPIP-NEO-120 Personality Inventory?

The validated 120-item short form of the IPIP-NEO, covering the same Five Factor domains and 30 facets.

How long does the IPIP-NEO-120 Personality Inventory take?

It takes about 15 minutes to answer all 120 questions. You can go at your own pace.

Is this test free, and is it available in Hindi?

Yes, it is free with a PsiQ account. The questions and answer options are available in English, Hindi and Hinglish.

Can this test diagnose a condition?

No. Online self-report scales are for self-reflection, education and research, not diagnosis. If you are worried about your mental health, please speak to a qualified mental-health professional.