Best IQ tests 2026

The most accurate IQ tests are the WAIS-5 and the Stanford-Binet 5, given one-to-one by a psychologist. To join Mensa you need a supervised test. For a quick estimate at home, an online visual reasoning test takes about 12 minutes.

What's your IQ?

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25 questions · about 12 minutes

What would you score? Try question 1.

Which option completes the grid? One tap, no sign-up.

IQ tests compared

Five well-known IQ tests by type, length and accuracy
Test	Type	Time	Accuracy
LifeScore IQ test (ours)	Online	12 min	An estimate
WAIS-5	Clinical	60 to 90 min	Highest
Stanford-Binet 5	Clinical	45 to 90 min	Highest
Mensa admission test	Supervised	60 to 90 min	Excellent
Raven's Progressive Matrices	Supervised	About 45 min	Very good

Each test reviewed

LifeScore IQ test (ours)
12 min · 25 questions
Online. Best for: a quick first estimate of your reasoning.
Measures: pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, logical sequences, analogies, rule application.
Strengths: No sign-up to start; Visual puzzles, no vocabulary or school maths; Works on a phone; Result as soon as you finish.
Drawbacks: Not clinically administered or age-normed; Shorter than professional tests; Full report is paid.
WAIS-5
60 to 90 min · 10 or more subtests
Clinical. Best for: clinical diagnosis and a full evaluation.
Measures: verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, working memory, processing speed.
Strengths: The standard for adults; Broad, detailed profile; Clinically valid.
Drawbacks: Needs a licensed psychologist; Usually $200 to $500; Takes time to book and sit; Not available online.
Stanford-Binet 5
45 to 90 min · Length varies
Clinical. Best for: children and very high or low scores.
Measures: fluid reasoning, knowledge, quantitative reasoning, visual-spatial processing, working memory.
Strengths: Long research history; Covers a wide age range; Comprehensive.
Drawbacks: Needs a professional; Expensive; Takes time.
Mensa admission test
60 to 90 min · About 50 questions
Supervised. Best for: joining Mensa.
Measures: verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, abstract reasoning.
Strengths: Professionally supervised; Qualifies you for Mensa; High validity.
Drawbacks: About $40, varies by country; Usually in person (Mensa UK has a proctored online test); Limited sessions; Results take time.
Raven's Progressive Matrices
About 45 min · 60 questions
Supervised. Best for: a non-verbal, culture-fair assessment.
Measures: abstract reasoning, fluid intelligence.
Strengths: Close to culture fair; Non-verbal; Widely researched.
Drawbacks: Measures one kind of reasoning; Online versions are unofficial look-alikes.

How to choose the right IQ test

For a quick estimate

If you want a quick estimate of your reasoning ability, choose an online test that:

Measures several kinds of reasoning
Has at least 15 to 25 questions
Is timed
Gives a percentile, not just a number

For official purposes

If you need an official IQ score for Mensa, school placement or clinical reasons:

See a licensed psychologist
Ask for the WAIS or the Stanford-Binet
Contact Mensa for a supervised test
Budget $200 to $500 for a clinical assessment

Frequently asked questions

What is the most accurate IQ test?

The WAIS-IV (Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale) is considered the gold standard for adult IQ testing, followed by the Stanford-Binet. Both must be administered by licensed psychologists. For free options, tests measuring multiple cognitive domains (pattern recognition, spatial reasoning, logical sequences) provide the best estimates.

Are free online IQ tests accurate?

Quality online IQ tests can give a reasonable rough estimate of reasoning ability, but none is clinically normed or supervised, so treat the number as approximate. Look for tests that measure multiple cognitive domains, use timed questions, and are based on established psychometric principles. Avoid tests that seem too short or only measure one skill.

How long should a good IQ test take?

Clinical IQ tests typically take 60-90 minutes. Online IQ tests that take 10-20 minutes can still provide useful estimates if they're well-designed. Tests shorter than 10 minutes generally don't have enough questions to be reliable.

What IQ test does Mensa use?

Mensa accepts scores from many professionally administered IQ tests (WAIS, Stanford-Binet, Cattell, etc.) that show an IQ in the top 2% (typically 130+). They also offer their own supervised admission test at locations worldwide.