IQ tests are standardized methods used to measure a person's cognitive and intellectual abilities. It is considered a test of intelligence. Understanding your IQ score is important as you can know your potential in various aspects of intelligence like logical reasoning, numerical reasoning, and spatial awareness. Keep reading to find out more about what is a good IQ score and the breakdown of different IQ scales.
IQ score is a measure of a person's intelligence. The term IQ stands for "intelligence quotient" which is calculated through a series of questions that assess different aspects of cognitive abilities. The individual's performance will then be compared to the average performance of their peer group.
A normal IQ score is typically between 85 and 115. This range is referred to as the "average" IQ score. 68% of people fall within this range.
A score of above 116 is regarded above average and any IQ score of 130 or more is labeled as gifted or a high IQ.
MENSA is an organization and a high-IQ society for people who have scored in the top 2% of the general population on the standardized intelligence test.
In theory, there is no maximum limit to an IQ score. The IQ tests have evolved over the years and different IQ tests may have different scales and methods to measure intelligence. So, if your IQ score is 130 or higher, that means you have a superior IQ. IQ scores are influenced by many different factors like age, culture, environment, and education, and they do not capture the full abilities and talents of a person. Therefore, it should not be used solely to judge a person.
IQ scores are categorized into different scale ranges and labels for the levels of intelligence. Here is the breakdown of the IQ score:
It is likely that we all get smarter as we age. Our intelligence is supposed to grow as we gain knowledge and experience throughout life. People should have a greater level of knowledge and the ability to think in a more complicated manner and use constructive and logical thinking to solve difficult problems as they get older. And that's the genuine essence of education. Therefore, age comparisons are added when measuring the intellectual development of an individual. Everyone would believe that if a 10-year-old took the same IQ test as a college student, the college student would outperform. Why? This is because the college student has had more time to learn and get smarter.
So the IQ test will count age as an element when assessing one's intelligence. By comparing the 10-year-old to other 10-year-olds, and the college student to other college students, the conflict is resolved. And of course, they are required to take the same test at each age level.
The average IQ scores by age are listed below, indicating normal or average intelligence.
According to research by Ulster Institure 2019, the top 10 countries with the highest scores in the world are listed below:
| Country | IQ |
| Japan | 106 |
| Taiwan | 106 |
| Singapore | 105 |
| Hong Kong | 105 |
| China | 104 |
| South Korea | 102 |
| Belarus | 101 |
| Finland | 101 |
| Liechtenstein | 101 |
| Germany | 100 |
Read more: What is a genius IQ?
IQ score can indicate one’s cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, logical thinking, numerical reasoning, and spatial reasoning compared to people of the same age and gender. It can demonstrate your potential for academic and professional success. However, it’s not everything. IQ score does not indicate one’s personality, creativity, emotional intelligence, or moral values. Besides, there are many different factors that can affect one’s performance like culture, education, mood, environment, and more. Many other aspects of human cognition and behavior are not captured by IQ tests, such as social skills, artistic talent, leadership ability, and wisdom. IQ test is a useful method, but it is not a definitive way to evaluate one’s intelligence or worth.
Who has the highest IQ in the world?
Grigori Perelman is said to have the highest IQ in the world with an IQ score of 238.
Read this post if you want to know more about Who has the highest IQ in the world.
What is Albert Einstein's IQ score?
Albert Einstein is among the top geniuses in the world with the theory of relativity and many theories that have unleased a whole new age of theoretical physics. While he never took an IQ test, his IQ score is estimated to be around 160.
Is a 120 IQ good?
An IQ score of 120 is considered "above average intelligence" on an IQ scale. It is a high IQ score and demonstrates that the person outperforms 91% of the general population in terms of cognitive abilities.
