What two axes can't show
The Political Compass places every answer on an economic left-right axis and a social authoritarian-libertarian axis. That is easy to read, but it hides real differences: a protectionist nationalist and a free-trade globalist can land on the same point. 12 Axes keeps those views apart, with their own axes for diplomacy, trade, the military, immigration, religion, government structure and technology.
Forced choice or a neutral answer
The Political Compass offers four answers and no middle option, so every proposition pushes you one way or the other. 12 Axes has seven answers, including "neutral or unsure", which pulls that axis toward the centre instead of toward either end. If you have no view on a topic, the test does not invent one for you.
What you get at the end
The Political Compass gives you one dot on its chart; the site also publishes charts that place parties and leaders. 12 Axes gives you a score and a label on each of the twelve axes, the three closest ideologies, the famous political figures whose views are nearest yours, and a card you can share.
Which should you take?
Take the Political Compass if you want the classic two-axis picture that most people already know. Take 12 Axes if you want to see where you stand on specific issues, such as trade, immigration or technology, or if you would rather answer "unsure" than guess. Plenty of people take both: the 36-statement mini test takes about four minutes.