What Does Your IQ Score Mean? Categories & Percentiles Explained

So you've taken an IQ test and received a score – but what does that number actually mean? Understanding IQ scores requires knowing about the scoring system, categories, percentiles, and what factors can influence your results. This guide will help you make sense of your IQ score and put it in proper perspective.

The IQ Scale: How Scores Are Calculated

Modern IQ tests use what's called a deviation IQ score. This system, introduced by David Wechsler, is based on the normal distribution (bell curve) of scores in the population.

Here's how it works:

• Mean (Average) = 100: The average IQ score is set at 100 by definition
• Standard Deviation = 15: This measures how spread out the scores are
• Normal Distribution: Scores follow a bell curve pattern

IQ Score Categories

IQ scores are typically grouped into categories that help describe general cognitive ability levels:

IQ Range	Category	Population %
130+	Very Superior (Gifted)	~2.2%
120-129	Superior	~6.7%
110-119	High Average	~16.1%
90-109	Average	~50%
80-89	Low Average	~16.1%
70-79	Borderline	~6.7%
Below 70	Extremely Low	~2.2%

Understanding Percentiles

Your IQ percentile tells you what percentage of the population scores lower than you. This is often more intuitive than the raw score:

IQ Score	Percentile	What It Means
145	99.9th	Higher than 99.9% of people
130	98th	Higher than 98% of people
120	91st	Higher than 91% of people
115	84th	Higher than 84% of people
100	50th	Average – higher than 50%
85	16th	Higher than 16% of people
70	2nd	Higher than 2% of people

What Different Score Ranges Typically Mean

Very Superior (130+): Gifted Intelligence

People in this range represent the top 2% of the population. They often:

• Grasp complex concepts quickly
• Make connections that others miss
• Excel in academic and professional settings that require abstract thinking
• May qualify for gifted programs or Mensa membership (which requires 132+)

Superior (120-129): Above Average

This range includes about 7% of the population. Individuals here typically:

• Learn new material faster than average
• Handle complex problem-solving well
• Often succeed in demanding academic programs
• May find routine tasks understimulating

High Average (110-119): Bright

About 16% of people fall here. They generally:

• Perform above the class average in school
• Handle most intellectual challenges competently
• Succeed in college and professional careers

Average (90-109): Typical Intelligence

Half the population falls in this broad range. This represents normal, healthy cognitive function with:

• Ability to complete typical educational requirements
• Competence in most occupations with proper training
• Normal adaptation to life's cognitive demands

Low Average (80-89)

About 16% of people score in this range. They may:

• Need more time to learn new concepts
• Benefit from additional support in academic settings
• Function well in most practical situations

Factors That Can Affect Your Score

It's important to understand that IQ scores aren't perfectly fixed and can be influenced by various factors:

Testing Conditions

• Environment: A noisy or distracting setting can lower scores
• Time of day: Cognitive performance varies throughout the day
• Computer vs. paper: Format can affect some test-takers

Personal Factors

• Sleep: Sleep deprivation significantly impacts cognitive function
• Stress/Anxiety: Test anxiety can lower performance
• Health: Illness can temporarily reduce scores
• Motivation: Effort affects results

Practice Effects

Repeated exposure to IQ tests can improve scores by 3-7 points. This doesn't mean intelligence increased – just familiarity with the test format. For accurate assessment, tests should be taken without recent practice.

Age and IQ Scores

IQ scores are age-adjusted, meaning your performance is compared to others in your age group. This is important because:

• Fluid intelligence peaks: Raw problem-solving ability typically peaks in the mid-20s
• Crystallized intelligence grows: Knowledge-based intelligence increases with age
• Age-normed scores: A 70-year-old is compared to other 70-year-olds, not 25-year-olds

What IQ Doesn't Tell You

While IQ is a useful measure, it's crucial to understand its limitations:

• Success in life: Many factors beyond IQ determine success
• Emotional intelligence: Social and emotional skills matter too
• Creativity: Original thinking isn't captured by standard IQ tests
• Work ethic: Motivation and persistence are independent of IQ
• Happiness: IQ has little correlation with life satisfaction

How to Interpret Your Score Wisely

Here's a balanced approach to understanding your IQ score:

1. View it as information, not judgment: Your score describes one aspect of cognitive ability
2. Consider the margin of error: True scores typically fall within 5 points of tested scores
3. Don't over-identify: You are not your IQ score
4. Focus on growth: Cognitive abilities can be developed and maintained
5. Use it constructively: Understanding strengths and weaknesses can guide development

Conclusion

Understanding your IQ score is about more than just knowing a number – it's about understanding what that number represents and, equally importantly, what it doesn't. IQ is a useful measure of certain cognitive abilities, but it's just one piece of the complex puzzle that makes up human intelligence and potential.

Whatever your score, remember that intelligence is multifaceted and malleable. The most productive approach is to view IQ as information that can guide your personal development, not as a fixed limit on what you can achieve.