iq-scores-explained.faq.questions.q1.question

Got your IQ score but confused about what it means? You're not alone. 68% of people misinterpret their results. Here's the complete guide to understanding your cognitive abilities.

100

Average IQ Score

68%

Score 85-115

2.1%

Score 130+

Dr. James Park

Data Science & Methodology Lead

Ph.D. in Data Science from Carnegie Mellon University. Specializing in AI in Cognitive Assessment & Statistical Validation, with focus on tech-savvy adults aged 25-45 and research methodology.

Published: Jan 24, 2025Last Updated: Jan 24, 202514 min read

Understanding IQ Scores: The Basics

You just got your IQ score back. Maybe it's 115. Maybe it's 128. Maybe it's 92. But what does that number actually mean? Is it good? Bad? Average? And more importantly—what can you do with this information?

Let's break it down in plain English, no jargon, no BS.

The Bell Curve: Your Score in Context

IQ scores follow a bell curve (also called a normal distribution). This means most people cluster around the average, with fewer people at the extremes.

100

Average (50th percentile)

85-115

68% of population

70-130

95% of population

Key Insight: The average IQ is set at 100 by design. The standard deviation is 15 points. This means 68% of people score between 85-115, and 95% score between 70-130.

How IQ Scores Are Calculated

Your IQ score isn't just "number of questions you got right." It's more sophisticated than that:

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What IQ Actually Measures

IQ tests measure several cognitive domains:

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145–160

iq-scores-explained.section2.ranges.genius.description

iq-scores-explained.section2.ranges.veryGifted.label

130–144

iq-scores-explained.section2.ranges.veryGifted.description

iq-scores-explained.section2.ranges.gifted.label

115–129

iq-scores-explained.section2.ranges.gifted.description

iq-scores-explained.section2.ranges.aboveAverage.label

100–114

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iq-scores-explained.section2.ranges.average.label

85–99

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iq-scores-explained.section2.ranges.belowAverage.label

70–84

iq-scores-explained.section2.ranges.belowAverage.description

iq-scores-explained.section2.ranges.borderline.label

55–69

iq-scores-explained.section2.ranges.borderline.description

iq-scores-explained.section2.ranges.challenged.label

40–54

iq-scores-explained.section2.ranges.challenged.description

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145

99.9%

130

98%

115

84%

100

50%

16%

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