What is the average IQ score?
The average IQ is 100, by design. IQ tests are scaled so that the middle of the population scores 100 and the standard deviation is 15 points. That means about two thirds of people (68%) score between 85 and 115, and about 95% score between 70 and 130.
IQ score chart
| IQ score | Usual label | Share of people |
|---|---|---|
| 145+ | Very gifted | 0.1% |
| 130–144 | Gifted / very superior | 2% |
| 120–129 | Superior | 7% |
| 110–119 | High average | 17% |
| 90–109 | Average | 49% |
| 80–89 | Low average | 16% |
| 70–79 | Borderline | 6% |
| Below 70 | Below 70: needs a professional assessment | 2% |
Labels differ between tests and publishers. Shares assume a normal distribution with mean 100 and standard deviation 15.
What is a good IQ score?
Any score from 90 to 110 is average, and anything above 110 is above average. A score of 120 or higher is usually called superior and is reached by roughly one person in ten. In everyday terms, a "good" IQ is simply one at or above 100, but IQ is only one ingredient in success: motivation, knowledge, social skills and luck matter at least as much.
What IQ score is considered genius?
There is no official "genius" score. Many people use 140 as an informal threshold, which only about 1 person in 260 reaches. High-IQ societies set their own bars: some admit the top 2% (around 130), others ask for far rarer scores. Real-world genius usually also needs creativity, deep expertise and years of work.
What does an IQ test measure?
IQ tests measure reasoning skills such as spotting patterns, working with numbers, understanding words and solving logic problems, often under time pressure. They do not measure creativity, emotional intelligence, wisdom or character. Scores can also shift with practice, sleep, stress and familiarity with the test format.
Can an online test give my real IQ?
An online test can give a useful estimate, but an official IQ score needs a standardised test given in person by a licensed psychologist. Our free test is a real timed reasoning test with right and wrong answers; it shows your estimated IQ as a range and lets you review every answer.
For fun and self-reflection. NineTraits tests are for entertainment and personal insight. They are not a clinical, psychological, medical or professional assessment, and they should not be used to make decisions about health, hiring, relationships or education. If you are struggling, please talk to a qualified professional. Full disclaimer