We analyzed data from Dimensional’s Personality test to explore if zodiac signs predict personality traits. Our app measures users across 200+ personality traits using a set of assessments we call Dimensions. We then use those traits in conjunction with our AI model to determine which zodiac sign aligns most closely with their self-reported personality. Knowing users' birthdays allows us to compare their actual sun sign (what most people think of as their sign) with the top three personality-based signs provided by our AI.
Here's what we found.
Sun Signs Don't Predict Personality Traits
If users' zodiac signs were chosen at random, they would appear in the top three personality-based signs 25% of the time. In other words, there is a 25% chance that any random zodiac sign would be one of the top three best-fitting signs for a given user based on their personality traits.
However, if zodiac signs were truly predictive of personality, we would expect the birth date-based sun sign to appear in the top three personality-based signs significantly more than 25% of the time.
Our analysis showed that the birth date sun sign appeared in the top three personality-based signs 26% of the time (25.8% to be exact). This indicates that there is no significant relationship between a person’s sun sign and their personality traits as measured by our assessment.
Methodology Notes
- Sample Size: 500 users were randomly selected from our app database.
- Assessment: Each user completed our self-reported personality assessment, which measures over 200 traits.
- AI Analysis: Our AI model analyzed these traits and provided the top three zodiac signs that best matched each user's personality.
- Sun Sign Identification: We identified each user's sun sign based on their birth date.
- Comparison: We compared the birth date sun sign with the three personality-based zodiac signs provided by our AI.
Potential Criticisms
- Sun Sign Limitations: Critics might argue that focusing solely on the sun sign is overly simplistic. Astrology enthusiasts often consider the rising sign and moon sign to be equally, if not more, important in defining personality.
- Sample Size: While 500 users provide a robust sample, larger studies could offer more definitive insights.
Supporting Research
Our findings are consistent with other research in this area. Studies such as Astrology, Science or Myth? and A Double-blind Test of Astrology also concluded that astrological signs do not have a scientific basis for predicting personality traits.
Saeid Fard has 9 years of experience working in personality testing and is the founder of dimensional.me. According to the Dimensional personality test, he is an INTP and his top strengths are Humor, Creativity, Perspective, Appreciation of Beauty, and Social Intelligence.