IQ scale

What doesan IQ score mean?

IQ shows where you stand within the population's distribution. Drag the slider to see what percentage each score corresponds to.

Percentile calculator

115Above average

55100145

84th

percentile

84 / 100

people score lower than this

The bands

The IQ scale,band by band.

130+ExceptionalAbout 2% of the population. Fast and reliable recognition of abstract rules, even in complicated situations.~2%

120–129HighComplex tasks that follow several rules at once also come easily.~7%

110–119Above averageFast pattern recognition and good working memory – new rules are grasped quickly.~16%

90–109AverageHalf of the population falls here: this is the “normal” range, with a well-balanced thinking profile.~50%

80–89Below averageAbstract thinking that is somewhat slower than average – a range that is perfectly sufficient for everyday life.~16%

70–79LowIn online tests, tiredness, lack of attention or a language barrier often pull the result down into this range.~7%

< 70Very lowAssessing this properly requires a standardised test administered by a professional – an online test isn't suitable for that.~2%

Why is the average exactly 100?

IQ is a relative measure. Tests are calibrated on a large sample so that average performance is worth 100 points and one standard deviation is worth 15 points. That way any score translates directly into the percentage of the population it beats.

What does it measure – and what not?

IQ tests measure abstract reasoning, pattern recognition, working memory and verbal-logical reasoning. They don't measure creativity, emotional intelligence, diligence or professional knowledge – even though these matter at least as much.

The Flynn effect

Over the 20th century, raw test scores in developed countries rose by about 3 points per decade. That's why norms have to be recalculated regularly – an IQ measured against an old norm comes out too high.

Measure yours