Superior
91% percentile • 1 in 11
An IQ of 125 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 125.
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 125 places you in the top 5% of the population. This is the cognitive range where individuals begin to stand out in professional and academic environments — not just competent, but noticeably sharp. Research by Lubinski (2009) found that the 95th-98th percentile range is strongly associated with professional eminence, particularly in fields like law, medicine, and business leadership.
An IQ of 125 is like being a Division I college athlete — clearly talented, above the vast majority, but with a visible tier of even more exceptional performers above. In a company of 200 employees, roughly 10 would score at this level. Complex analysis, strategic thinking, and rapid learning come naturally.
IQ 125 is the approximate average for graduates of competitive master's programs and professional schools. Most successful law students, MBA candidates, and medical students have IQs in the 120-130 range. At IQ 125, standardized test performance is consistently strong.
IQ 125 sits in a psychologically interesting zone: clearly superior but not yet "gifted" (which starts at 130). Many people at IQ 125 are told they're "smart" throughout life but may feel they're not quite in the top tier. The 5-point gap to IQ 130 is the difference between the top 5% and the top 2%.
These historical figures have estimated IQs similar to 125:
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 125:
These universities have estimated average student IQs near 125:
| 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 125 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 125 is above average. The mean IQ is 100, so a score of 125 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 125 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.