High Average
75% percentile • 1 in 4
An IQ of 115 is classified as High Average, placing you in the 75% percentile (1 in 4).
The bell curve shows the normal distribution of IQ scores. The mean is 100 with a standard deviation of 15. The highlighted area represents the percentage of people who score at or below IQ 115.
High average intelligence indicates solid cognitive abilities above the population mean. Individuals at this level typically perform well in most academic and professional settings and can handle moderately complex work with good success.
An IQ of 115 is exactly one standard deviation above the mean — a statistically significant boundary in psychometrics. This places you in the top 16% of the population, above 84% of people. Research by Herrnstein and Murray (1994) and Gottfredson (2003) identified IQ 115 as a key threshold where individuals begin to consistently outperform in complex information-processing tasks.
Scoring IQ 115 is like running a 7-minute mile — solidly above average and noticeable, but not rare. In a typical classroom of 30 students, about 5 would score at or above this level. You pick up new concepts faster, read more efficiently, and solve novel problems more readily than most peers.
IQ 115 is the approximate average for four-year college graduates. This level comfortably handles undergraduate coursework across most disciplines. Students at this level typically earn above-average grades with moderate effort and can handle honors-level work.
The jump from IQ 110 to IQ 115 crosses the one-standard-deviation threshold — moving from "high average" to the lower boundary of "superior." This 5-point difference shifts you from the 75th to the 84th percentile, which is measurable in academic and professional outcomes.
These historical figures have estimated IQs similar to 115:
Suitable for a wide range of careers including technical roles, business positions, skilled trades, and supervisory work. Success depends on developing skills and experience.
These college majors have average student IQs similar to 115:
These universities have estimated average student IQs near 115:
| IQ Range | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 160+ | Profoundly Gifted | 99.997% |
| 145-159 | Genius | 99.87% |
| 130-144 | Gifted | 98% |
| 120-129 | Superior | 91% |
| 110-119 | High Average | 75% |
| 90-109 | Average | 50% |
| 80-89 | Low Average | 25% |
| <80 | Below Average | <25% |
Get your IQ score, percentile ranking, and cognitive profile with our scientifically validated assessment.
An IQ of 115 is classified as "High Average" and places you in the 75% percentile. This means you score higher than approximately 75% of the population on standardized intelligence tests. High average intelligence indicates solid cognitive abilities above the population mean.
Yes, an IQ of 115 is above average. The mean IQ is 100, so a score of 115 indicates high average cognitive abilities. This level of intelligence is associated with suitable for a wide range of careers including technical roles, business positions, skilled trades, and supervisory work.
Suitable for a wide range of careers including technical roles, business positions, skilled trades, and supervisory work. Success depends on developing skills and experience.
An IQ of 115 is found in approximately 1 in 4 people. This places you in the 75% percentile of the population. This is an above-average level of intelligence.
While IQ is relatively stable in adulthood, you can optimize your cognitive performance through several strategies: maintaining good sleep habits, regular exercise, continuous learning, managing stress, and challenging your brain with novel problems. These won't dramatically change your IQ score but can help you perform at your cognitive best.