What Is the Normal Range for IQ? Chart, Factors, Uses (2024)

  • Is IQ 120 Good?
    • Is a 120 IQ good?
  • What Is It?
    • What do you mean by IQ?
  • Uses
    • What are the uses of an IQ test?
  • Influencing Factors
    • What factors influence a person’s IQ?
  • Aptitude vs. IQ Tests
    • What are the differences between aptitude tests and IQ tests?
  • Comments
      **COMMENTSTAGLIST**
  • More
      **OTHERTAGLIST**

What Is the Normal Range for IQ? Chart, Factors, Uses (1)

An IQ score above 140 Indicates genius or nearly genius. Einstein's IQ estimated IQ scores range from 205 to 225 by different measures.

The intelligence quotient or IQ is a standardized method to know the mental ability of a person, usually against a peer group.

IQ scores between 90 and 109 indicate a normal range or average intelligence. Individual adults usually score somewhere in between the 70-130 range, with 100 being the theoretical average.

If you score above 130, then you would have a score higher than the average population, and below 70 would be lower than the average population.

What is an average IQ for my age?

As per research, the average IQ for each age group may be interpreted in the following manner:

  • The average score for 16-17 year-olds is 108, which denotes normal or average intelligence.
  • For adults between 18 and 19 years of age, the average IQ score is 105, which also denotes normal or average intelligence.
  • The average score for people between 20 and 24 years of age is 99, which also denotes normal or average intelligence.
  • For people between 24 and 34 years of age, the average score is slightly lower at 97, which still denotes normal or average intelligence.
  • The scores begin to go up again after that age, among older adults. For example, the average score for people between 35 and 44 years of age is estimated to be 101, still within the normal or average intelligence scale.
  • For people between the ages of 45 and 54, the average IQ score goes up to 106 within the normal or average intelligence scale.
  • The highest average score for people under 64 years of age is attained by those people between the ages of 55 and 64, who get 109 on the IQ scale.
  • People between 65 and 69 years of age have an average IQ score of 114, which puts them in the superior intelligence or above-average end of the scale. But people between 70 and 74 years who are tested for IQ get an even higher average score of 119.
Table:IQ scores and Intelligent Chart
ScoresIntelligence
Between 110 and 119Superior intelligence or above average
Between 120 and 140Superintelligence or being gifted
Scores over 140Indicates genius or nearly genius
Scores between 80 and 89Indicates dullness or “lower average”
Scores under 70Definite “feeble-mindedness” or low

Is a 120 IQ good?

An IQ score of 120 is a good score since it means superior or above-average intelligence.

What is a good IQ score?

A score of 100 is said to be the average IQ and anything above that is above average intelligence for the person’s age. IQ is based on a statistical calculation considering people who are expected to have a certain IQ. Hence, IQ scores are not calculated in isolation for an individual. A person’s IQ doesn’t exist in isolation. The IQ score represents how a person’s results compare to those of other people of their age.

IQ tests generally focus on a person’s:

  • Memory
  • Mathematical skills
  • Reasoning ability
  • Processing speed
  • Language, including vocabulary
  • Visuospatial processing (the ability to perceive, analyze, recall, and manipulate images oriented in space and keep track of the location of moving objects)
SLIDESHOW The 14 Most Common Causes of Fatigue See Slideshow

What do you mean by IQ?

IQ stands for intelligence quotient, which remains a popular tool for job placement and educational services, particularly helping to place children in an appropriate setting for their educational needs.

  • An IQ score is a numerical representation of an individual’s intelligence within a normalized scale of test results.
  • Most modern tests are adjusted so that the mean score is 100.
  • IQ score is a combination or an average of multiple scores.

Questions on an intelligence testjudge various categories such as working memory, verbal comprehension, processing speed, and perceptual reasoning. All these individual scores are combined to create your overall IQ. IQ scores are often a combination of verbal and performance scales. Typically, individuals are stronger in one area than the other; therefore, the combination of these scores can better identify intelligence.

What are the uses of an IQ test?

An IQ test may be used for:

  • Assessing a person’s eligibility for a job
  • Educational assessment
  • Diagnosis of intellectual disabilities
  • Psychological research purposes
  • Evaluating a person’s cognitive abilities, including attention, memory, mathematical skills, problem-solving skills, and response time

Health News

  • Chlamydia Vaccine Shows Promise in Early Trial
  • Parents Tending Backyard Poultry Can Pass Along Dangerous Salmonella to Infants
  • Parents, You Can Ease a Teen's Stress Around Standardized Tests
  • Young Women Often Delay Looking Into Breast Symptoms
  • Pandemic's Effect in Isolating Older Americans May Not Be Over
  • More Health News »

What factors influence a person’s IQ?

Several factors can influence a person’s IQ, such as

  • Age - IQ increases with age,
  • Educational background
  • Cultural practices and beliefs
  • General health, including any underlying health conditions
  • Environment
  • Genetics
  • Musical training
  • Brain anatomy

To summarize, although IQ is commonly used to measure a person’s intelligence, the concept of IQ has earned significant disrepute over the years.

  • Researchers argue that IQ calculation may not be comprehensive enough to classify a person as more or less intelligent. There are various aspects to intelligence including spiritual, emotional, and creative aspects.
  • People with a higher IQ do not necessarily perform well under different circ*mstances, including different levels of physical and mental stress.
  • Classifying people based on IQ can result in prejudice against people with a lower IQ. People have even made groups open for those with a certain level of IQ.

Moreover, IQ does not measure the abilities that are important for making good judgments in real-life situations.Hence, intelligence may span far beyond the confines of IQ, but a person’s work productivity, ability to adapt to life situations and emotional health cannot be predicted by their IQ score.

What are the differences between aptitude tests and IQ tests?

The difference between aptitude tests and intelligence quotient (IQ) tests is as follows:

Aptitude tests

Most aptitude tests assess a specific set of skills; cognitive aptitude tests can measure a broad range of abilities and provide individual scores for each ability. Cognitive aptitude testing can be done through standardized tests or game-based assessments.

  • These tests can measure specific areas of intelligence.
  • Age is not a factor.
  • There is a score for each category.
  • These tests are highly predictive of job performance.
  • The most common use is pre-employment testing.

IQ tests

They are typically standardized tests that cover a wide range of questions including logical, visual, spatial, classification, analogical, and pattern-driven questions. The IQ is determined by the deviation between the test score and the average test score of people of your age. IQ is considered a rough metric for general intelligence.

  • These tests measure general intelligence.
  • Age is used to determine IQ scores.
  • One general score is determined.
  • These are moderately predictive of job performance.
  • The most common uses are research and education.

Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter

By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.

Medically Reviewed on 12/15/2022

References

What is IQ? https://www.mensa.org/iq/what-iq

Medscape Medical Reference

GracePointhttps://www.gracepointwellness.org/18-psychological-testing/article/8217-intelligence-quotient-iq

Mensa Internationalhttps://www.mensa.org/iq/what-iq

Assessment Psychology Onlinehttp://www.assessmentpsychology.com/iqclassifications.htm

Complete List

Top What Is the Normal Range for IQ? Related Articles

  • Baby's First Year: Milestones Month by MonthWhen do babies learn to crawl? Start teething? Learn about major milestones in your baby's first months. Get tips on how to help baby learn, grow, and develop into a healthy toddler.
  • How Conditions Change Your BrainThe brain doesn’t always stay the same. Mental disorders, health issues, and lifestyle habits can alter the way it looks and works.
  • How Do I Know If My Child Is Ready for Preschool?Preschool can be exciting for some kids, whereas traumatizing for others. You know your child is ready for preschool if they are potty-trained, independent, expressive, can concentrate, is emotionally ready and has stamina.
  • How Do I Start Homeschooling My Child?Have you considered homeschooling your child but don't know how to get started? Learn about the requirements and some tips to make the process smooth.
  • How to Cope With School StressStudents of all ages experience stress related to school. Some coping strategies like taking breaks from technology, sleeping, practicing deep breathing and stretching may help young students.
  • Parenting: How Can Parents Encourage Independence and Learning in Their Children?What to know about your child's growth and development. Learn more about how to encourage independence and learning in your child.
  • How Can Parents Encourage Independence and Learning in Their Children?While there are general guidelines for developmental milestones, each child will progress through them at their own rate. Encourage independence and learning in your child by establishing predictable routines, letting your child help you, giving your child chores, and employing other methods.
  • Brain Foods for Kids: Healthy Food for Kids’ BrainsUse this brain foods list to make your child smarter and healthier with these brain-boosting meals! Developing brains needs the right foods to boost learning and improve concentration.
  • What Age Should a Child Learn to Read, Write and Do Math?Learning to read, write and do math is always a milestone in kids that parents treasure. Children will learn to read between the ages of four and six and write and do math between six and 10 years old.
  • What Are the Three Types of Learning Disabilities?Treating dysgraphia may take weeks or even months, but patience is essential. Dysgraphia generally occurs among children aged below 15 years, but this specific learning disability may also be present in adults as well.
What Is the Normal Range for IQ? Chart, Factors, Uses (2024)

FAQs

What Is the Normal Range for IQ? Chart, Factors, Uses? ›

IQ scores between 90 and 109 indicate a normal range or average intelligence. Individual adults usually score somewhere in between the 70-130 range, with 100 being the theoretical average.

What is the normal range for an IQ? ›

Scores above 130 are labeled as above average or “very superior,” while scores under 70 would be considered below average or labeled as “borderline impaired.” Most people have an average IQ between 85 and 115. Overall, about 98% of people have a score below 130.

What is the normal distribution chart for IQ? ›

Based on the 68-95-99.7 Rule, approximately 68% of the individuals in the population have an IQ between 85 and 115. Values in this particular interval are the most frequent. Approximately 95% of the population has IQ scores between 70 and 130. Approximately 99.7% of the population has IQ scores between 55 and 145.

What is the average IQ score responses? ›

An IQ level of 120 would be described as 'above average or bright' on an IQ scale. The average score is 100, and 68% of all people have scores between 85 and 115.

What is a normal result for IQ test? ›

Historical IQ classification tables
IQ Range ("ratio IQ")IQ Classification
120–139Superior
110–119High average
90–109Normal or average
80–89Low average
3 more rows

What is Elon Musk's IQ? ›

IQ tests provide insight into an individual's cognitive ability. As mentioned earlier, Elon Musk's IQ score is believed to be between 155 and 160.

What is the full scale IQ? ›

Definition. The Full Scale IQ is a score derived from administration of selected subtests from the Wechsler Intelligence Scales designed to provide a measure of an individual's overall level of general cognitive and intellectual functioning.

What was Einstein's IQ? ›

What was the IQ of Albert Einstein? Sources usually put his IQ at 160. The highest possible attainable IQ also hovers between the 160-170 range. But there have been people with a supposed IQ above 200.

What is the average IQ of a Harvard student? ›

While true, the estimated average IQ at Harvard is 142. IQ is highly associated with self-control and discipline. > IQ is highly associated with self-control and discipline.

What was the highest IQ ever recorded? ›

Effectively tying for the title, though, is Marilyn Vos Savant. Her recorded IQ in the Guinness World Records was 228, awarded between the 1986-1989 editions until the record was discontinued in 1990, with IQ scores deemed too unreliable to document.

What was Stephen Hawking's IQ? ›

Professor Hawking, the theoretical physicist known for his work on black holes, is said to have had an IQ of 160.

What is a good IQ result? ›

The number actually represents how your results compare to those of other people your age. A score of 116 or more is considered above average. A score of 130 or higher signals a high IQ. Membership in Mensa, the High IQ society, includes people who score in the top 2 percent, which is usually 132 or higher.

What IQ is considered genius? ›

IQ (Intelligence Quotient) is a standardized measure of intelligence, with an average score of 100 and a standard deviation of 15 points. A score of 130 or above is generally considered to be in the "gifted" or "genius" range.

What is the normal range for IQ scores? ›

The intelligence quotient or IQ is a standardized method to know the mental ability of a person, usually against a peer group. IQ scores between 90 and 109 indicate a normal range or average intelligence. Individual adults usually score somewhere in between the 70-130 range, with 100 being the theoretical average.

What is the average IQ by age? ›

The mean WAIS-IV IQ is 100 for ages 20-24 and is 99 for ages 25-44. Then it drops to 97 for ages 45-54, to 94 for ages 55-64, to 90 for 65-69, to 86 for ages 70-74 and to 79 for ages 75+.

What is the average IQ of a doctor? ›

The average IQ of doctors is estimated to be around 125. A study shows that doctors' average verbal IQs is 125.8. Physicians and surgeons are amongst the high-IQ occupations with an average IQ of 125+. Neurosurgeons (a type of doctor) have an average IQ of about 125.

What was Albert Einstein's IQ? ›

What Is the Highest Possible IQ? What was the IQ of Albert Einstein? Sources usually put his IQ at 160. The highest possible attainable IQ also hovers between the 160-170 range.

What is the average IQ level? ›

On many tests, a score of 100 is considered the average IQ. Sixty-eight percent of scores fall within one standard deviation of the mean (that is, between 85 and 115).

Is a 120 IQ genius? ›

An IQ of 120 is considered to be in the "very superior" range. This means that someone with an IQ of 120 has exceptional cognitive abilities and is likely to be successful in academic and professional settings. They are able to think critically and solve complex problems, making them excellent problem-solvers.

What is considered a gifted IQ? ›

Although IQ represents only a partial expression of giftedness, according to a purely psychometric view, giftedness is defined by an IQ of 130 or higher, placing gifted individuals at least two standard deviations above the population mean.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Mr. See Jast

Last Updated:

Views: 5734

Rating: 4.4 / 5 (75 voted)

Reviews: 90% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Mr. See Jast

Birthday: 1999-07-30

Address: 8409 Megan Mountain, New Mathew, MT 44997-8193

Phone: +5023589614038

Job: Chief Executive

Hobby: Leather crafting, Flag Football, Candle making, Flying, Poi, Gunsmithing, Swimming

Introduction: My name is Mr. See Jast, I am a open, jolly, gorgeous, courageous, inexpensive, friendly, homely person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.