Can IQ scores change over time?

Yes, IQ scores can change, especially during childhood and adolescence. Adult IQ scores are generally more stable but can still improve with cognitive training, education, and lifestyle changes. Studies show improvements of 5-15 points are possible with dedicated effort.

What is considered a "genius" IQ score?

An IQ score of 140 or above is often considered "genius" level, representing the top 0.4% of the population. However, genius is better defined by exceptional achievements and contributions rather than just a test score.

Are online IQ tests accurate?

Online IQ tests vary widely in accuracy. Professionally developed tests that follow standardized protocols can provide reasonably accurate estimates. However, clinical IQ tests administered by psychologists remain the gold standard for accuracy.

What's the average IQ score?

The average IQ score is 100 by definition, as IQ tests are standardized to have a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. About 68% of people score between 85 and 115.

Do IQ scores predict success?

IQ scores correlate with academic achievement and certain career outcomes, but they're not the only predictor of success. Emotional intelligence, motivation, creativity, social skills, and perseverance often matter more for real-world success.

Can you improve your IQ score?

Yes, research shows that IQ scores can be improved through cognitive training, education, proper nutrition, exercise, and mental stimulation. Improvements of 5-15 points are realistic with consistent effort over time.

What IQ score is needed for Mensa?

Mensa requires an IQ score in the top 2% of the population, which typically means a score of 130 or above on most standardized IQ tests. Different tests may have slightly different cutoff scores.

How long does an IQ test take?

Professional IQ tests typically take 60-90 minutes to complete. Online IQ tests may be shorter (20-45 minutes) but still need sufficient time to accurately assess multiple cognitive domains.

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Score Interpretation Guide

IQ Scores Explained: What Your Number Really Means

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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:

Raw Score Calculation

Your correct answers are tallied across different cognitive domains

Age Group Normalization

Scores are adjusted based on your age group for fair comparison

Population Comparison

Your performance is compared to a representative sample of the population

Standardized Score Conversion

Raw scores are converted to the standard IQ scale (mean 100, SD 15)

What IQ Actually Measures

IQ tests measure several cognitive domains:

Logical Reasoning

Pattern recognition and deductive thinking

Mathematical Ability

Numerical reasoning and problem-solving

Verbal Comprehension

Language understanding and vocabulary

Spatial Reasoning

Visual-spatial processing and mental rotation

Processing Speed

How quickly you can process information

Working Memory

Ability to hold and manipulate information

IQ Score Ranges: What They Mean

Here's what each IQ range actually means in practical terms:

Genius Level (145-160)

145–160

Exceptional cognitive abilities. Top 0.1% of the population. Often associated with groundbreaking achievements in science, mathematics, or creative fields.

Very Gifted (130-144)

130–144

Highly superior intelligence. Top 2% of the population. Strong academic performance, advanced problem-solving, and rapid learning abilities.

Gifted (115-129)

115–129

Above average intelligence. Top 16% of the population. Excellent academic potential and strong analytical thinking skills.

Above Average (100-114)

100–114

High average intelligence. 50th-84th percentile. Good learning capacity and solid reasoning abilities with proper effort.

Average (85-99)

85–99

Normal intelligence. 16th-50th percentile. Most people fall within this range and can succeed in various fields with dedication.

Below Average (70-84)

70–84

Low average intelligence. 2nd-16th percentile. May require additional support in academic or complex professional settings.

Borderline (55-69)

55–69

Borderline intellectual functioning. Often requires specialized educational support and structured learning environments.

Intellectually Challenged (40-54)

40–54

Significant cognitive limitations requiring substantial support in daily living and learning activities.

Important Note

IQ scores are just one measure of cognitive ability. Success in life depends on many factors including emotional intelligence, creativity, motivation, and practical skills.

Understanding Percentiles

Percentiles show what percentage of the population scored below your IQ score. This provides context for understanding your cognitive abilities relative to others.

IQ Score

Percentile Rank

145

99.9%

130

98%

115

84%

100

50%

16%

What This Means

An IQ of 100 means you scored higher than 50% of people (average)

An IQ of 115 means you scored higher than 84% of people (above average)

An IQ of 130 means you scored higher than 98% of people (very superior)

What IQ Tests Don't Measure

While IQ tests provide valuable insights, they don't capture everything that makes you intelligent:

Emotional Intelligence

IQ tests don't measure your ability to understand and manage emotions, which is crucial for relationships and leadership.

Creativity & Innovation

Traditional IQ tests don't effectively measure creative thinking, artistic abilities, or innovative problem-solving.

Social Intelligence

Your ability to navigate social situations, read people, and build relationships isn't captured by IQ tests.

Motivation & Drive

Test performance can be affected by motivation, test anxiety, and other factors unrelated to actual cognitive ability.

Wisdom & Judgment

Practical wisdom, good judgment, and real-world problem-solving aren't measured by standard IQ assessments.

The Bottom Line

IQ is just one piece of the puzzle. Success in life depends on emotional intelligence, creativity, motivation, social skills, and many other factors that IQ tests don't measure.

What to Do With Your IQ Score

Now that you understand your IQ score, here's how to use this information constructively:

Step 1

Take a Reliable Test

Start with a scientifically validated IQ test to get an accurate baseline of your cognitive abilities across multiple domains.

Step 2

Understand Your Results

Review your score breakdown by cognitive domain. Identify your strengths and areas where you can improve.

Step 3

Focus on Growth

Use your results to create a personalized cognitive development plan. Focus on areas where improvement will have the biggest impact.

Step 4

Develop Complementary Skills

Remember that IQ is just one factor. Work on emotional intelligence, creativity, communication, and other skills that contribute to success.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about IQ scores answered

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