Often regarded as the gold standard of cognitive ability, Intelligence Quotient (IQ) scores remain the subject of fascination and scrutiny. While high IQs are typically associated with innat...
IQ Score
What is the IQ Score? What does an IQ score mean? What is the average IQ? Is your IQ average? Do you have a genius IQ score?
What does my IQ score mean?
An IQ (Intelligence Quotient) score is a numerical representation of a person's cognitive abilities relative to the general population. IQ tests are standardized assessments designed to measure a range of cognitive skills, such as reasoning, problem-solving, memory, and verbal comprehension.
Lower Scores (69 and below)
Scores in this range may suggest cognitive challenges or intellectual disabilities.
Average IQ Score (100)
The average score is set at 100. Most people (about 68% of the population) score within one standard deviation of the mean, which is between 85 and 115.
Above Average (116-129)
Individuals scoring in this range are considered to have above-average intelligence.
Gifted (130 and above)
Scores of 130 or higher are often associated with giftedness or high intellectual potential.
Normal Distribution & IQ Scores
The properties of the normal distribution apply to IQ scores:
of IQ scores fall between 90 and 110
of IQ scores fall between 85 and 115
of IQ scores fall between 70 and 130
of IQ scores fall between 60 and 140
Do you know your IQ distribution?
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Check My Intelligence LevelUnderstanding IQ Scores
IQ Scores & Ratings
Lewis Terman (1916) developed the original notion of IQ and proposed this scale for classifying IQ scores.
140+ IQ Scores | Genius or Near Genius |
120 - 140 IQ Scores | Very Superior Intelligence |
110 - 119 IQ Scores | Superior Intelligence |
90 - 109 IQ Scores | Normal or Average Intelligence |
80 - 89 IQ Scores | Dullness |
70 - 79 IQ Scores | Borderline Deficiency |
High IQ & Genius IQ
Genius IQ is generally considered to begin around 140 to 145, representing ~.25% of the population (1 in 400).
115 - 124 IQ Scores | Above Average (e.g., university students) |
125 - 134 IQ Scores | Gifted (e.g., post-graduate students) |
135 - 144 IQ Scores | Highly Gifted (e.g., intellectuals) |
145 - 154 IQ Scores | Genius (e.g., professors) |
155 - 164 IQ Scores | Very Genius (e.g., Nobel Prize winners) |
165 - 179 IQ Scores | High Genius |
180 - 200 IQ Scores | Highest Genius |
Low IQ & Mental Retardation
5% of people have an IQ under 70 and this is generally considered as the benchmark for "mental retardation", a condition of limited mental ability in that it produces difficulty in adapting to the demands of life. The severity of mental retardation can be broken into 4 levels.
50-70 IQ Scores | Mild mental retardation (85%) |
35-50 IQ Scores | Moderate mental retardation (10%) |
20-35 IQ Scores | Severe mental retardation (4%) |
1 - 20 IQ Scores | Profound mental retardation (1%) |
Understanding the Implications
Interpreting your IQ score is more than just acknowledging a number—it's about understanding what that number signifies for you as an individual. This section will guide you through the deeper meaning of your results, helping you grasp how your score reflects your cognitive abilities, potential areas for development, and the broader context of intelligence beyond standardized testing.
1. Holistic View of Intelligence
Remember that IQ tests measure specific cognitive abilities but do not assess creativity, emotional intelligence, practical skills, or talents in areas like art and music.
A single score cannot encapsulate the full spectrum of your abilities or potential.
2. Strengths and Weaknesses
Your score can highlight areas where you excel and areas that may require more effort or support.
Focusing on developing a wide range of skills can contribute to personal and professional success.
3. Educational and Career Guidance
Understanding your cognitive strengths can help in choosing educational paths or careers that align with your abilities.
Knowing your areas of weakness allows you to seek resources or training to improve.
4. Environmental and Cultural Factors
Educational opportunities, cultural background, and socio-economic status can impact test performance.
Be mindful that no test is entirely free from cultural bias, and scores should be considered with this in mind.
5. Personal Growth and Lifelong Learning
Cognitive abilities can develop over time through learning and experience.
Embracing challenges and continuous learning can enhance your cognitive skills regardless of your initial score.
6. Emotional Well-being
An IQ score does not define your value as a person.
Use the information as a tool for growth rather than a definitive label.