Mach-IV Scale Test

Understand how likely someone is to distrust others and use manipulation, in about 4 minutes. Fast, research-backed results support hiring, team fit, and clearer relationship dynamics.

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Questions: 204 minutes

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08:30

October 2, 2025

October 2, 2025
Material has been updated

October 2, 2025
Material has been published

27,273 views

2,485 completions

1,844 likes

Verified by Daniel Hall

Psychologist with 25 years of experience

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How the Scales are Structured

example score

61/140

Machiavellianism (M)

Measures the degree of manipulativeness, cynicism, emotional detachment, and willingness to bend moral rules to achieve goals.

Low

Moderate

High

20 – 62: Low | 63 – 86: Moderate | 87 – 140: High

A score of 61 falls in the Low range, suggesting a generally more sincere and cooperative interpersonal style with less tendency toward strategic manipulation.

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DATA-BASED USER COHORTS

Who Usually Takes This Test?

Curious self-explorers

44%OF USERS

People who want to understand whether they tend to distrust others, use tactics, or justify bending rules to get what they want.

Recruiters and HR specialists

33%OF USERS

Professionals screening candidates or diagnosing team dynamics to spot manipulative behavior that could harm trust and collaboration.

Psychologists and coaches

23%OF USERS

Practitioners who use a quick trait measure to discuss interpersonal strategy, ethics, and relationship patterns with clients.

BASED ON AGGREGATED, ANONYMIZED DATA FROM TENS OF THOUSANDS OF FREUDLY USERS.

RESULTS YOU CAN ACTUALLY USE

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Used in 52+ countries

Benchmarking

See How You Compare

Once you complete the test, your results are compared with real-world data from people in your country.
Below is a preview of how scores are typically distributed across each scale.

The Machiavellianism Scale (Mach Scale) (TMS(S)

Average

83.3

Normal range

61.8 — 104.7

min.

max.

140

Majority

This curve shows how scores are typically distributed.
Once you complete the test, your result will appear on the scale so you can see how you compare.

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CLEAR ANSWERS TO COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this questionnaire measure?

It measures attitudes and tendencies related to interpersonal manipulation, strategic social behavior, and distrust of others. Higher scores indicate greater acceptance of using others to achieve goals.

How is it administered and how long does it take?

It consists of 20 statements rated by level of agreement. Typical completion time is about 4 minutes.

What type of items are included?

Items assess beliefs about honesty, sincerity, and trustworthiness in other people, as well as willingness to bend rules for personal benefit. Responses reflect general views rather than single events.

How should results be interpreted?

Scores are used to estimate the likelihood of manipulative tactics and low concern for ethical constraints in social situations. Interpretation should consider context and should not be treated as a diagnosis.

Is there a version for children or adolescents?

A youth version exists with simpler wording and age-appropriate content. It is used when adult phrasing is not suitable for younger respondents.

WHAT THE TEST MEASURES

About This Assessment

Mach-IV Scale Test - Symptoms and Signs

machiavellianism manipulations dark triad

This self-report measure assesses individual differences in Machiavellian attitudes and interpersonal strategy. The Mach-IV Scale is commonly used to quantify cynical views of human nature and a pragmatic, ends-oriented approach to social behavior. It was developed by Richard Christie and Florence L. Geis.

The instrument consists of 20 items and typically takes about 4 minutes to complete. Items ask respondents to indicate their level of agreement with statements reflecting beliefs about trustworthiness, sincerity, and the acceptability of using influence or manipulation to achieve personal goals.

Scores from the Mach-IV Scale are interpreted as an index of Machiavellian tendencies and may be considered within a broader psychological assessment context, taking into account response style, setting, and the limits of self-report data.

Author: Florence L. Geis, Richard Christie

Literature: Paulhus, D. L., & Williams, K. M. The dark triad of personality: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Journal of Research in Personality. 2002.; Jones, D. N., & Paulhus, D. L. Introducing the Short Dark Triad (SD3): A brief measure of dark personality traits. Assessment. 2014.; Furnham, A., Richards, S. C., & Paulhus, D. L. The Dark Triad of personality: A 10 year review. Social and Personality Psychology Compass. 2013.; Christie, R., & Geis, F. Studies in Machiavellianism. Academic Press. 1970.

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