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What is considered a good IQ score? I've never taken one of those tests before, and frankly, I'm a bit worried I'd score low on an IQ test, hence the reason I've never taken one. Is there a "good" score threshold, or is anything above a hundred on an IQ test considered good?
Ranking of IQ scores was developed by Lewis Terman in 1916 as a way of categorizing intelligence levels. The ranking of typical ranges of IQ scores and what they mean are summarized below:
Over 140 - Genius or near genius 120 - 140 - Very superior intelligence 110 - 119 - Superior intelligence 90 - 109 - Normal or average intelligence 80 - 89 - Dullness 70 - 79 - Borderline deficiency Under 70 - Definite feeble-mindedness
The distribution of IQ scores in the world falls along a normal distribution curve, and can be summarized as:
50% of IQ scores fall between 90 and 110 70% of IQ scores fall between 85 and 115 95% of IQ scores fall between 70 and 130 99.5% of IQ scores fall between 60 and 140
Roughly 5% of the population has IQ scores under 70; this is considered the benchmark for mental retardation. On the other end of the scale, only 1% of the population falls in the 135 and above category, which is the benchmark for genius.
What is the relevance of these scores? At best, they measure academic intelligence or the ability to succeed in an academic environment. Many other kinds of intelligence have been discovered and categorized that are not measured by these tests, such as the physical intelligence demonstrated by athletes, and musical/artistic genius. A rough ranking of what each IQ score means occupationally is shown below:
140 Top Civil Servants; Professors and Research Scientists. 130 Physicians and Surgeons; Lawyers; Engineers (Civil and Mechanical) 120 School Teachers; Pharmacists; Accountants; Nurses; Stenographers; Managers. 110 Foremen; Clerks; Telephone Operators; Salesmen; Policemen; Electricians. 100+ Machine Operators; Shopkeepers; Butchers; Welders; Sheet Metal Workers. 100- Warehousemen; Carpenters; Cooks and Bakers; Small Farmers; Truck and Van Drivers. 90 Laborers; Gardeners; Upholsterers; Farmhands; Miners; Factory Packers and Sorters.
There is also considerable evidence that IQ scores can be improved by changes in ones environment, particularly for children. Children who have been read to more often or have been subjected to variety in their environment tend to improve their scores over time.
The average IQ score is 100, with most of the population scoring somewhere between 90 and 110.
It's true that IQ scores are a bit outmoded now - they have their uses and I don't think you'd score badly on one, but to the people who work with them it's the individual tests within them which give interesting results. For example, someone might score incredibly highly on the spatial tests, practically genius level, but because they were dyslexic and got a low score on the symbol/sound-related tests, would still only end up with an average of 100. So the overall score wouldn't give you much of an idea of the person's real abilities, but the individual tests might point out learning difficulties or particular strengths.
Howard Garndner's Multiple Intelligences tests are very useful if you want to look at your range of abilities, or give someone a positive boost rather than picking on what they're bad at. You can find loads of versions on the internet and some give you a groovy little pie chart at the end with all your intelligences on it.
Have fun!
Well honestly it depends on what field you work in. If you are a glorified button pusher then the "average" number which is 100 and at this range you are completely capable of doing your job without much supervision. A "genius" IQ score is considered a score of 140 or higher according to Louis Terman who proposed a scale for measuring IQ in 1916. I scored a 136. So I was proud of my silly little score, but not quite as proud or ego-inflated had it rang with "genius" numbers.
Take the test with a grain of salt because the metrics are a little outdated and I don't believe account for the the total capability of an individual. I still want to retake it myself to beat Madonna who is rumored to have an IQ of 138 I believe.
Take the IQ test and see what pops up. Worst case scenario, you tell people that you never took it.
Probably. My guesses:
Age 1-12 Below 70: Low 70-79: Pretty Bad 80-89: Good 90-99: Very Good 100-120: Very, very intelligent 120+: Prodigy Child
Age 13-20 Below 70: Very Low 70-79: Low 80-89: Kind of Good 90-99: Good 100-120: Average 120-129: Very Intelligent 130-139: Very, very intelligent 140+: Genius
Age 20-49 Below 70: Borderline Retardation 70-79: Very Low 80-89: Low 90-99: Good 100-119: Very Good 120-129: Average 130-139: Very Intelligent 140+: Genius Age 50+ Below 70: Low 70-79: Pretty Bad 80-89: Kinda Good 90-99: Good 100-119: Average 120-139: Very Intelligent 140+: Genius
I don't really have any facts to rely on, this is just common sense. I hope it helps.
Consider having a large IQ, a bit like having a well endowed wallet. I never thought of myself as 'genius', as at 141 I'm surrounded by people of 130 to 145, whether that be at work or home. It's a bit like that with money, the more you have, the more opulent (posh for the uninitiated) area you live in, people in those areas have the same money, so you never consider yourself, 'rich'.
if youre taking an online iq test that you are not paying for it's not accurate. iq tests fluctuate. on some 130+ is genius while on others 160 is. if you want a proper number and what you place in relation to others, not just some internet bullshit, go get yourself tested somewhere or buy a self test at your bookstore.
woot im a happy ego-inflated person 162!!! Haha :P but seriously its not everything I've learned that the hard way you gotta balance everything out equally if you want to be proud of yourself and your acheivments!... ciao
anthdoe1126 is wrong. you have to have your IQ measured when you are at the age of about 2nd or 3rd grade for it to be accurate. And, if your IQ is below 50, you probably are in special ed.
IQ doesn't test everything. It's mainly maths they test you on. I hate that. I don't like maths, but I'm okay @ it. I love english and apparently I'm really good @ it!
I think 120 is good. below 100 is poor. 100 is the average score of poeple around the world. 140 you are intelligent and if you get 160 or above your a genius.
im thirteen and I scored 132... I guess thats quite good but everywere on here is different.
haha, I got a 138 :) but im 14. I don't know if that's goood or not.
I scored 132 and I am a ESL former student is that genius or not?
Does your age matter when it comes to taking an IQ test?
my friend is a 14 year old girl with an iq of 116
Dunno but mines 98 and im smart at school
my IQ is 160
mines a 132
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