What Does Handwriting Say About Your Personality?

The study of handwriting is known as graphology, and it has been practiced for hundreds of years. Graphology shouldn’t be confused with forensic handwriting analysis, though. Forensic document examiners compare handwriting samples and may help link a suspect to a crime.

Take a handwriting analysis quiz »

Handwriting is particularly important in legal cases involving signatures. Proving whether a signature is real or forged can sometimes be pivotal.

Document examiners may also be asked to verify whether autographs are real or fake.

Some handwriting analysts study writing samples to determine personality types. In the past, some businesses even commissioned this type of analysis before hiring new employees.

The method has sometimes been used to help couples see whether they are compatible as well.

What is the link between handwriting and personality?

According to graphologists, there is very little you can’t tell from a person’s handwriting.

Some graphologists claim they can spot everything from certain health conditions to personality traits such as dominance and aggression. However, there isn’t enough scientific evidence to support many of these claims.

Still, graphologists look at everything from the size of your letters to how closely you space your words. Each detail is thought to reveal something about your personality.

Here are some of the most common handwriting features they study and what they might say about you:

1. Letter size

In general, the size of your letters may show whether you are shy or outgoing.

If you write with tiny letters that don’t reach the top line of a standard lined sheet of paper, graphologists may describe you as timid and introverted.

If you write with large letters that go over the top line, you are more likely to be seen as outgoing, confident, and attention-seeking.

2. Word spacing

People who leave wide spaces between words are thought to value freedom and independence. Those who write with very small spaces may prefer to be around other people and dislike being alone.

3. Dotting your i’s

The way you dot, or don’t dot, your i’s can also be analyzed.

Placing the dot high above the i is linked to an imaginative personality, while putting it off to the left may point to procrastination.

If you draw a circle instead of a dot, it supposedly shows a childlike quality. Using a dash may suggest that you are overly critical.

Organized and determined people tend to place the dot firmly above the i.

4. Crossing your t’s

The way you cross your t’s may reveal a few more personality traits. A long line is linked to determination and enthusiasm, while a short one can suggest impatience or a lack of motivation.

5. Pen pressure

If you apply heavy pressure when using a pen or pencil, you may be a committed person who takes things seriously. Extremely heavy pressure can point to tension. Light pressure, on the other hand, is linked to sensitivity and empathy.

6. Signature

What does your signature say about you?

An illegible signature, or one that looks more like a squiggle, may belong to someone private and difficult to read.

A clear and legible signature suggests confidence and openness.

Is handwriting and personality analysis accurate?

It is difficult to draw firm conclusions from handwriting. Our writing style can change depending on our mood, health, writing speed, or even the pen and paper we are using. There also isn’t strong scientific evidence that graphology can accurately determine someone’s personality.

It can still be interesting to examine your handwriting and see whether any of these descriptions sound like you. Have a look at your handwriting today and decide for yourself.