Analysing your IQ
Please Wait
Investor
Warren Buffett's IQ is estimated at 145+, placing them in the Genius classification.
This historiometric estimate is based on documented accomplishments, complexity of work, and contemporary accounts from the 20th-21st Century era.
Methodology Note: This is a psychobiographical analysis based on documented behavior, contemporary accounts, and historiometric research methods. IQ estimates for historical figures are approximations derived from complexity of work and documented accomplishments. This is interpretation, not clinical diagnosis.
This is a psychobiographical profile of Warren Buffett—not a biography, but a behavioral lens. The goal is to extract patterns that might be useful for understanding similar minds today.
Historiometric estimate
Extreme patience with rational decision-making. Low neuroticism, high conscientiousness. Values compound growth over quick returns.
The dominant archetype here is The Sage. This archetype shapes decision patterns: what feels natural, what creates friction, and what blind spots tend to emerge.
Estimated IQ is ~145+. This is a rough historiometric estimate based on documented accomplishments and contemporary accounts—not a literal measurement.
Warren displayed notable patient investing, a trait that shaped their approach to challenges and opportunities.
Warren displayed notable rational thinking, a trait that shaped their approach to challenges and opportunities.
Warren displayed notable value orientation, a trait that shaped their approach to challenges and opportunities.
20th-21st Century was an environment where The Sage-style minds could gain leverage quickly. The structural conditions matched Warren's strengths.
Warren's greatest strength (Patient investing and Rational thinking) was also their greatest liability when taken to extremes.
The The Sage archetype tends to succeed in environments that reward bold action and long-term vision, but struggles in environments that demand consensus-building.
One pattern worth noting: Warren's output was most productive when external constraints forced focus. Without structure, the same traits that enabled greatness sometimes led to overreach.
Li Lu represents the contemporary version of Warren's psychological profile. The era is different, but the underlying patterns—risk tolerance, work style, social strategy—map closely.
For a deeper understanding of Warren Buffett's psychology, consider primary biographies that document behavior patterns, decision-making, and personal correspondence.
Historiometric methods used in IQ estimation are based on research by Cox (1926), Simonton (1994), and others who analyze documented accomplishments as proxies for cognitive ability.
Traits commonly observed in individuals with Warren Buffett's cognitive profile:
Warren Buffett's estimated IQ is 145+, which places them in the Genius classification. This historiometric estimate is based on documented accomplishments, complexity of work, and contemporary accounts—not a literal IQ test score, as standardized testing didn't exist in their era.
Yes, with an estimated IQ of 145+, Warren qualifies as Genius level intelligence. However, "genius" oversimplifies their profile. Their The Sage archetype, combined with Patient investing and Rational thinking, better explains their exceptional output.
Warren fits the The Sage archetype. Key traits include Patient investing, Rational thinking, and Value orientation. This psychological profile explains both their strengths and documented failure modes.
The closest modern parallel to Warren Buffett is Li Lu. This comparison is based on operating style, The Sage archetype, and similar trait configuration—not accomplishment level.
Warren's profile teaches that extreme strengths create extreme tradeoffs. Their Patient investing and Rational thinking enabled success but also created recurring friction patterns.