IQ CHART & SCALE
Complete visual guide to IQ distribution, classifications, percentiles, and what each score range means for cognitive ability and potential.
IQ Bell Curve Distribution
The IQ distribution follows a normal (Gaussian) curve with mean 100 and standard deviation 15. About 68% of people score within one standard deviation (85-115) of the mean.
100
Mean IQ
By definition, the average IQ is 100
15
Standard Deviation
Most IQ tests use SD of 15
85-115
Average Range
68% of population falls here
140+
Genius Threshold
Top 0.4% of population
IQ Classifications
| IQ Range | Classification | Percentile | Rarity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 160+ | Profoundly Gifted | 99.997% | 1 in 30,000 |
| 145-159 | Genius/Near Genius | 99.9% | 1 in 1,000 |
| 130-144 | Very Superior | 98% | 1 in 50 |
| 120-129 | Superior | 91% | 1 in 10 |
| 110-119 | High Average | 75% | 1 in 4 |
| 90-109 | Average | 50% | 1 in 2 |
| 80-89 | Low Average | 25% | 1 in 4 |
| 70-79 | Borderline | 9% | 1 in 10 |
| Below 70 | Intellectual Disability | 2% | 1 in 50 |
Understanding IQ Scores
What IQ Measures
- •Fluid Intelligence: Problem-solving with novel information
- •Crystallized Intelligence: Knowledge and skills acquired over time
- •Processing Speed: How quickly you can process information
- •Working Memory: Ability to hold and manipulate information
What IQ Doesn't Measure
- •Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions
- •Creativity: Original thinking and artistic ability
- •Practical Intelligence: Street smarts and real-world problem solving
- •Motivation & Grit: Persistence and drive to succeed
Discover Your IQ
Take our scientifically-designed IQ test and find out where you fall on the scale.
Take IQ Test