Intrapersonal (Self-smart) - This area has to do with introspective and self-reflective capacities. This refers to having a deep understanding of the self; what one's strengths/weaknesses are, what makes one unique, being able to predict one's reactions/emotions.

Musical (Music-smart) - This area has to do with sensitivity to sounds, rhythms, tones, and music. People with a high musical intelligence normally have good pitch and may even have absolute pitch, and are able to sing, play musical instruments, and compose music. They have sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, metre, tone, melody or timbre.

Logical/Mathematical (Numbers-smart) - This area has to do with logic, abstractions, reasoning, numbers and critical thinking. This also has to do with having the capacity to understand the underlying principles of some kind of causal system. Logical reasoning is closely linked to fluid intelligence and to general intelligence
(g factor).

Linguistic (Word-smart) - People with high verbal-linguistic intelligence display a facility with words and languages. They are typically good at reading, writing, telling stories and memorising words along with dates. verbal ability is one of the most loaded abilities. This type of intelligence is measured with the verbal IQ in WAIS-III.

Interpersonal (Social-smart) - This area has to do with interaction with others. In theory, individuals who have high interpersonal intelligence are characterised by their sensitivity to their moods, feelings, temperaments and motivations and their ability to cooperate in order to work as part of a group.

Bodily/Kinaesthetic (Sports/Fitness-smart) - The core elements of the bodily-kinaesthetic intelligence are control of one's bodily motions and the capacity to handle objects skillfully. Gardner elaborates to say that it also includes a sense of timing, a clear sense of the goal of a physical action, along with the ability to train responses.

Naturalist (Nature-smart) - This area has to do with nurturing and relating information to one's natural surroundings. Examples include classifying natural forms such as animal and plant species and rocks and mountain types. This ability was clearly of value in our evolutionary past as hunters, gatherers, and farmers; it continues to be central is such roles as botanist or chef. This sort of ecological receptiveness is deeply rooted in a "sensitive, ethical, and holistic understanding" of the world and its complexities-including the role of humanity within the greater ecosphere.

Spatial (Picture/3D-smart) - This area deals with spatial judgement and the ability to visualise with the mind's eye.

Existential (Spiritual-smart) - Some proponents of multiple intelligence theory proposed spiritual or religious intelligence as a possible additional type. The hypothesis of an existential intelligence has been further explored by educational researchers.