How to Get the Type of an Object in PowerShell?

In this tutorial, I will explain how to get the type of an object in PowerShell using various methods and examples.

Here are the methods, you can see below:

Get the Type of an Object in PowerShell

Method 1: Using the .GetType() Method

Whenever I need a precise answer about an object’s data type, I reach for .GetType(). It’s available on all PowerShell objects and delivers complete type details instantly.

The .GetType() method originates from .NET and works seamlessly in PowerShell. If you store a string, integer, or even a directory item in a variable, you can call .GetType() to get all type-related information.

Example:

Assuming you’re working with a ZIP code:

$zipCode = "78701"
$zipCode.GetType()

For just the type name:

$zipCode.GetType().Name

This method outputs details such as the object’s type name (System.String), making it easy to validate variables.

I executed the above PowerShell script, and you can see the exact output in the screenshot below:

Check out PowerShell Select-Object Value Only

Method 2: Using Get-Member Cmdlet

For interactive exploration, I always recommend Get-Member. It’s perfect when you need to review an object’s structure—ideal for analyzing outputs from PowerShell cmdlets.

Get-Member reveals the object’s type name and all its properties and methods. This makes it invaluable when handling directory or file objects from scripts targeting Ohio or federal servers.

Example:

Let’s inspect the type of a document:

$doc = Get-Item 'C:\USA\Ohio\Payroll.xlsx'
$doc | Get-Member

To quickly see the type name:

$doc | Get-Member | Select-Object -First 1

You’ll see the full type name (such as System.IO.FileInfo) and understand every method and property available.

Read Create a Credential Object in PowerShell

Method 3: Inspecting Output TypeName Directly

Often, I need to verify the output type from a command operating across US servers. Cmdlets like Get-Service or Get-Process assign a TypeName to their output objects, which can be retrieved for confirmation or reporting.

Direct inspection is useful for batch processing—like generating compliance logs across multiple states.

Example:

Check the type name for a service:

(Get-Service -Name 'w32time').GetType().FullName

Or process all services:

Get-Service | ForEach-Object { $_.GetType().FullName }

Method 4: Leveraging Select-Object for Properties

When generating reports for teams in Boston or New York, I often use Select-Object to pull every available property from complex output objects.

Not all object properties are visible by default. By using Select-Object -Property *, you reveal every property, which is crucial for thorough analysis in finance and HR applications.

Example:

Get-Service -Name 'WSearch' | Select-Object -Property *

This is particularly useful for verbose reporting, letting your team see every data point for key objects like Active Directory users or financial records.

Check out PowerShell Sort-Object

Key Methods for Getting Object Types in PowerShell

Here is a summary of various methods for getting object types in PowerShell.

Advanced: Custom Types and .NET Integration

When building enterprise-grade solutions for US companies, I leverage PowerShell’s .NET integration to define custom object types. This approach is powerful when defining business-specific models and enhances script reliability.

Add-Type @"
public class USContact {
    public string FirstName;
    public string LastName;
    public string PhoneNumber;
}
"@

$contact = New-Object USContact
$contact.FirstName = 'John'
$contact.LastName = 'Smith'
$contact.PhoneNumber = '(212) 555-7890'
$contact.GetType()  # Returns USContact

Use this method for models supporting American business processes, CRM integrations, and specialized reporting formats.

In this tutorial, I explained how to get the type of object in PowerShell using various methods, such as .GetType(), Get-Member, and Select-Object.

You may also like:

• PowerShell Select-Object -First
• PowerShell Select-Object -Unique
• PowerShell Select-Object Without Header

Bijay Kumar

Bijay Kumar is an esteemed author and the mind behind PowerShellFAQs.com, where he shares his extensive knowledge and expertise in PowerShell, with a particular focus on SharePoint projects. Recognized for his contributions to the tech community, Bijay has been honored with the prestigious Microsoft MVP award. With over 15 years of experience in the software industry, he has a rich professional background, having worked with industry giants such as HP and TCS. His insights and guidance have made him a respected figure in the world of software development and administration. Read more.