Analysing your IQ
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Superior
91% percentile • 1 in 11
An IQ of 120 is classified as Superior, placing you in the 91% percentile (1 in 11).
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 120.
Superior intelligence indicates above-average cognitive abilities. Individuals at this level typically perform well academically, can handle complex professional work, and often advance to leadership positions in their careers.
An IQ of 120 places you in the top 9% of the population — a level associated with high professional achievement. Research consistently shows that IQ 120 is a significant threshold: it is the approximate average IQ for professionals in law, medicine, engineering, and executive management. Barrick and Mount (1991) found that cognitive ability at this level is one of the strongest predictors of job performance in complex roles.
Scoring IQ 120 is like being a varsity athlete — not Olympic level, but clearly above the recreational player. In a university lecture hall of 200 students, roughly 18 would score at or above this level. This is where learning feels noticeably easier than for peers.
IQ 120 is associated with successful completion of graduate-level education (MBA, JD, MD, MS). Most competitive graduate programs have average student IQs in the 118-125 range. At this level, individuals can handle complex abstract material and professional licensing exams.
The difference between IQ 115 and IQ 120 is practically meaningful: it shifts from "bright" to "clearly superior." At IQ 120, standardized test performance typically jumps — SAT scores around 1300+, GRE scores in the 75th+ percentile. The next major threshold is IQ 130 (gifted).
These historical figures have estimated IQs similar to 120:
Well-suited for a wide range of professional careers. Can succeed in management, technical roles, and positions requiring good judgment and analytical skills.
These college majors have average student IQs similar to 120:
These universities have estimated average student IQs near 120:
| 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 120 is classified as "Superior" and places you in the 91% percentile. This means you score higher than approximately 91% of the population on standardized intelligence tests. Superior intelligence indicates above-average cognitive abilities.
Yes, an IQ of 120 is above average. The mean IQ is 100, so a score of 120 indicates superior cognitive abilities. This level of intelligence is associated with well-suited for a wide range of professional careers.
Well-suited for a wide range of professional careers. Can succeed in management, technical roles, and positions requiring good judgment and analytical skills.
An IQ of 120 is found in approximately 1 in 11 people. This places you in the 91% 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.
