IQ 120
Superior
90.9% percentile • about 1 in 11
Quick Answer
An IQ of 120 is classified as Superior, placing you in the 90.9% percentile (about 1 in 11 at or beyond this score).
How this is calculated: percentile and rarity use a normal distribution with mean 100 and standard deviation 15. Real test norms, confidence intervals and ceilings differ, so treat the figures as approximations—not a diagnosis or a promise of educational or career outcomes.
Where IQ 120 Falls on the Distribution
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.
What an IQ of 120 Means
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.
Key Characteristics
- Above-average problem-solving skills
- Good capacity for learning and retention
- Capable of handling professional complexity
- Often successful in university-level education
- Effective at planning and strategic thinking
The Professional Sweet Spot: Superior Intelligence
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.
Real-World Analogy
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.
Education Context
A score of 120 suggests above-average performance on the abilities measured by that test. It may help with complex learning, but it does not guarantee admission, licensing success or completion of graduate education.
How It Compares
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).
Did You Know?
- 1IQ 120 is about 1.33 standard deviations above the conventional mean
- 2Occupational success cannot be inferred from IQ alone
- 3At IQ 120, you can typically master any standard professional skill set given adequate training
- 4This is roughly the minimum IQ where individuals begin to independently generate novel solutions to complex problems
Famous People with Similar IQ
These historical figures have estimated IQs similar to 120:
Career Implications
Well-suited for a wide range of professional careers. Can succeed in management, technical roles, and positions requiring good judgment and analytical skills.
Suitable Careers for IQ 120
College Majors by IQ
These college majors have average student IQs similar to 120:
Universities at This IQ Level
These universities have estimated average student IQs near 120:
Understanding IQ Classifications
| 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% |
Take the Full IQ Test
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IQ 120: People Also Ask
What does an IQ of 120 mean?+
An IQ of 120 is classified as "Superior" and is at approximately the 90.9% percentile on a normal distribution with a mean of 100 and standard deviation of 15. Superior intelligence indicates above-average cognitive abilities.
Is 120 IQ considered good?+
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.
What careers are suitable for an IQ of 120?+
Well-suited for a wide range of professional careers. Can succeed in management, technical roles, and positions requiring good judgment and analytical skills.
How rare is an IQ of 120?+
An IQ of 120 is found in approximately about 1 in 11 people. This places you in the 90.9% percentile of the population. This is an above-average level of intelligence.
Can I improve from an IQ of 120?+
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.