What Is a Good IQ Score?

A good IQ score is typically considered to be between 85 and 115. This range covers approximately 68% of the population and is classified as "average" intelligence. A score of 130 or higher is widely accepted as the threshold for "gifted" or high IQ status.

Because different tests use different scales, it is important to check your result against a verified percentile. You can establish your baseline right now with a free IQ test.

IQ Score Ranges and Charts

Most clinical tests (like the Wechsler IQ Test or Stanford-Binet) use a standard deviation of 15. The table below breaks down the official classifications:

Common Questions Regarding Good Scores

Is 115 a good IQ score?

Yes. A score of 115 is exactly one standard deviation above the mean. This places you in the 84th percentile, meaning you scored higher than 84% of people who took the test. This score indicates strong cognitive ability and is often sufficient for success in complex academic fields.

Is 120 a good IQ score?

A score of 120 is considered "Superior." It is significantly above the average adult IQ. Individuals in this range often excel in problem-solving tasks. For context, you can compare this to the average IQ of a doctor or other professions.

Is 100 a bad score?

No. 100 is the exact mathematical average. It means your cognitive processing speed and reasoning are perfectly normal. Most of the world's population falls within 10 points of this number.

How to Measure Your IQ Accurately

To determine if you have a "good" score, you must use a reliable assessment. Short internet quizzes often inflate scores. For a more rigorous assessment, try our Official IQ Test.

If you are interested in how intelligence changes over time or geography, you might explore our research on Average IQ by Country.