What Is a Good IQ Score?

1. Breaking Down IQ Scores: What They Really Mean

So, you’ve heard people talk about IQ scores, but what’s actually going on behind the numbers? Is it just some magic formula that tells you how smart you are? Not exactly. IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is a way to measure certain cognitive abilities—like reasoning, problem-solving, and abstract thinking—but it doesn’t define intelligence as a whole (more on that later).

The scoring system has changed a lot over time. Back in the day, IQ was literally a ratio—your “mental age” (how your cognitive abilities stacked up compared to others) divided by your actual age, multiplied by 100. So if a 10-year-old scored like the average 12-year-old, their IQ would be (12 ÷ 10) × 100 = 120.

That method had its issues, though. One big problem? It didn’t work well for adults. If a 40-year-old performed like a 50-year-old, their IQ would be (50 ÷ 40) × 100 = 125, which makes no sense because adults don’t develop in the same way kids do. So psychologists scrapped that formula and moved to a standardized scoring system that compares your score to people of the same age.

1.1 IQ Scores & The Bell Curve

Today’s IQ tests use a fancy statistical trick to make 100 the average, with most people scoring somewhere between 85 and 115. This distribution forms a classic bell curve—a symmetrical shape where most scores cluster in the middle, and the extremes (super high or super low scores) are much rarer.

Here’s what that looks like in numbers:

• 68% of people score between 85 and 115 (which is considered “average”)
• 95% of people fall between 70 and 130
• Only about 2% score above 130 (often considered “gifted”)
• Around 2% score below 70, which may indicate an intellectual disability

This means that if your IQ is 100, you’re right in the middle of the pack—your cognitive abilities are pretty typical for your age group. If you score higher, you’re above average; lower, below average. But again, IQ isn’t the full picture of intelligence (don’t let anyone tell you otherwise!).

1.2 Why IQ Scores Seem So Precise (But Aren’t)

One of the biggest misconceptions is that IQ scores are an exact measurement, like your height or weight. They’re not. If you take different IQ tests, your score might vary by a few points each time because:

• ✅ Tests measure slightly different skills—some focus more on logic, others on verbal reasoning, etc.
• ✅ Your mental state matters—a bad night’s sleep or stress can lower your score.
• ✅ There’s always some margin of error—even the best IQ tests aren’t 100% precise.

So, if someone tells you their IQ is 137.6, they’re overthinking it—IQ isn’t that precise. What matters is the general range you fall into, not the exact number.

At the end of the day, IQ scores are just one way to assess cognitive ability—they don’t measure creativity, social intelligence, emotional intelligence, or real-world problem-solving. So whether your score is 90, 110, or 140, what really counts is how you use your brainpower in real life. 🚀

2. IQ Scores Explained: More Than Just a Number

Alright, so you’ve got an IQ score, and now you’re wondering, “What does this actually mean for me?” Well, IQ scores aren’t just random numbers—they’re grouped into ranges that give a general idea of cognitive ability. But before you start thinking your IQ score determines your entire future, let’s add some real-life perspective to these categories.

Below 70: Extremely Low

This is the bottom 2% of the population, and it may indicate an intellectual disability or cognitive challenges. But here’s the thing—IQ alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Some people in this range excel in areas that IQ tests don’t measure, like creativity, emotional intelligence, or hands-on skills. Plus, with the right support and education, many people in this category lead fulfilling and successful lives.

70-85: Below Average

People in this range may face some learning difficulties, especially in traditional academic settings. But let’s be real—school isn’t the only measure of intelligence. Plenty of successful business owners, artists, and tradespeople have IQs in this range. Strengths in areas like work ethic, social skills, and adaptability can easily make up for a lower IQ score.

85-115: Average (Majority of People Are Here)

If your IQ falls here, you’re right in the middle, along with about 68% of the population. This is where most people land, and it’s a great place to be—it means your cognitive abilities are in line with the general population. You can thrive in a wide range of careers, relationships, and challenges. Honestly, being “average” is underrated!

115-130: Above Average (Bright)

This is the top 15% of IQ scores, and people in this range usually have strong reasoning and problem-solving skills. They often find school and intellectual tasks easier than most, but IQ alone doesn’t guarantee success. Hard work, emotional intelligence, and creativity still play huge roles in getting ahead.

130-145: Gifted

We’re now in Mensa territory—this is the top 2% of the population. People here tend to excel in analytical thinking, learning new concepts quickly, and solving complex problems. Some may breeze through school, but here’s a fun fact—not all gifted people feel smart. Many struggle with perfectionism, social challenges, or feeling “different” from their peers.

145+: Highly Gifted

This is the top 0.1% of IQ scores—Incredibly rare. Think of people who can grasp complex ideas in seconds and see patterns where others don’t. But here’s something surprising: having an ultra-high IQ doesn’t automatically lead to success. Some of the smartest people in history have struggled with motivation, relationships, or even just fitting in with society.

3. What Makes an IQ Score “Good,” Anyway?

Alright, let’s settle this once and for all—what even counts as a “good” IQ score? People throw around numbers like they mean everything, but the truth is, a “good” IQ is totally relative to what you’re asking it to do for you.

The “Above Average” Club (115+)

If you’re sitting at 115 or higher, congrats—you’re in the top 15% of the population! That means you probably find problem-solving a little easier than most, you pick up new concepts quickly, and you’re good at connecting ideas. This range is associated with strong analytical skills, which can help in careers that require critical thinking—like engineering, law, or business.

Mensa-Level IQ (130+)

At 130+, you’re in the top 2%, which is Mensa territory (yep, that high-IQ society with the brainiacs). People in this range often excel in academic settings, score well on standardized tests, and crush logic-based challenges. But having a high IQ doesn’t guarantee success—if anything, it sometimes makes things harder because super smart people can overthink things, struggle with boredom, or feel out of place socially.

Highly-Gifted IQ (145+)

Now we’re talking ultra-rare—only 0.1% of people score above 145. People in this range tend to have exceptional abstract reasoning skills, learn things at lightning speed, and think in ways most people don’t. But does this automatically make you a genius? Nope. Genius isn’t just about IQ—it’s about what you do with your intelligence. History is full of brilliant minds who made zero impact because they lacked creativity, ambition, or people skills.

3.1 So, Is There a “Magic Number” for a Good IQ?

For most people, anything above 115 is considered “good” because it’s linked to above-average cognitive ability and problem-solving skills. But here’s the kicker—IQ alone isn’t enough to determine success or potential.

3.2 What Matters Just as Much (If Not More)?

• ✔️ Work Ethic – Even a 150 IQ won’t help if you don’t put in the effort.
• ✔️ Creativity – Some of the most successful innovators weren’t the smartest, just the most creative.
• ✔️ Emotional Intelligence (EQ) – Being able to understand and connect with people can be more valuable than pure logic.
• ✔️ Adaptability – Intelligence is great, but knowing how to adjust to challenges is even better.

So yeah, a high IQ can be an advantage, but it’s not a golden ticket. If you don’t develop other life skills, it’s just a number on a test. Whether your IQ is 110, 130, or 150+, what you do with your intelligence is what really matters. 🚀

4. What Can (and Can’t) Your IQ Tell You About Your Life?

So, you took an IQ test, got your score, and now you’re wondering, “What does this actually mean for my future?” Well, IQ can give some clues about certain things, but it’s not a crystal ball that predicts your success, happiness, or ability to win at trivia night. Let’s break it down.

4.1 What IQ Can Predict (To Some Extent)

📚 School Smarts (Academic Performance)

If you’ve got a higher IQ, you’re more likely to do well in school—especially in subjects like math, science, and logic-based problem-solving. Standardized tests? Probably easier for you. Understanding new concepts? Might come quicker. But here’s the thing—IQ doesn’t measure effort, discipline, or motivation, which are just as important (if not more). Some of the smartest people in the world have failed school because they were bored, unmotivated, or just didn’t care about the subject matter.

💼 Job Performance (But Not in Every Job)

IQ does have a strong connection to job performance, especially in careers that require critical thinking, reasoning, and problem-solving—think doctors, engineers, programmers, or analysts. But if you’re in a job that’s more about physical skill, creativity, or social interaction, other abilities matter way more than IQ.

💰 Making Money (Kind of, But Not Really)

People with higher IQs do tend to earn more on average, but don’t get it twisted—IQ is NOT the biggest factor in financial success. Ambition, networking, emotional intelligence, and plain old luck play huge roles. There are millionaires with below-average IQs and broke geniuses. The world doesn’t hand you a fat paycheck just for having a high IQ—it’s what you do with it that counts.

🏥 Health & Longevity (Smart Choices, Literally)

Believe it or not, higher IQ is linked to a longer life. Why? It’s not because smart people are immune to disease—it’s because they tend to make better life choices. They’re more likely to eat well, exercise, avoid risky behaviors, and navigate healthcare systems effectively. But obviously, IQ isn’t a magical shield—it won’t stop you from getting hit by a bus or making bad lifestyle choices.

4.2 What IQ Can’t Predict (At All)

🎨 Creativity (You Can Be a Genius & Still Unoriginal)

People love to assume high IQ = creative genius, but IQ and creativity are totally separate things. Some of the most brilliant artists, musicians, and innovators weren’t “genius-level” by IQ standards. Creativity is about thinking outside the box, and sometimes, super high IQ individuals actually struggle with that because they’re so wired to follow logic and patterns.

👫 Social Skills & Emotional Intelligence

You can have a 160 IQ and still be clueless in social situations. IQ tests don’t measure things like reading emotions, building relationships, or understanding social dynamics—all of which are crucial for success in life. Some people with sky-high IQs struggle in personal relationships, leadership roles, or even basic teamwork because emotional intelligence (EQ) is a completely different skillset.

5. Why a High IQ Alone Won’t Make You Successful

So, you’ve got a high IQ? That’s great! But does that mean you’re automatically going to be the next Elon Musk, Oprah, or Beyoncé of your field? Not even close.

A high IQ can give you an edge in some areas—like problem-solving, logical reasoning, and picking up new concepts quickly. But when it comes to real-world success, IQ is just one small piece of the puzzle. Plenty of people with sky-high IQs end up underachieving, while others with average IQs go on to change the world.

5.1 When Smart People Struggle

Having a high IQ doesn’t guarantee that life will be smooth sailing. In fact, some of the brightest minds out there struggle in ways you wouldn’t expect:

• ❌ Social Awkwardness – Just because someone is good at abstract reasoning doesn’t mean they can navigate a conversation smoothly. Some high-IQ individuals have a hard time connecting with people, which can hold them back in leadership roles, teamwork, or even basic networking.
• ❌ Paralysis by Analysis – Ever met someone who overthinks everything? Some high-IQ individuals get stuck in their own heads, analyzing every possibility instead of just taking action. Meanwhile, people with average IQs but strong decision-making skills get ahead because they do instead of just think.
• ❌ Lack of Grit – Intelligence doesn’t always equal grit, resilience, or work ethic. Some incredibly smart people quit the moment things get hard, while others with more determination push through setbacks and outwork those who might be intellectually “superior.”

5.2 The “Genius” Myth: Why IQ Isn’t Everything

Take Richard Feynman, for example. He was one of the greatest physicists of all time, but his IQ was “only” 125—far from “genius” level by traditional standards. What set him apart? Curiosity, passion, and an ability to explain complex ideas in simple ways.

Or think about business icons like Steve Jobs—his success wasn’t about having an ultra-high IQ. It was about vision, perseverance, creativity, and leadership.

Meanwhile, there are plenty of people with IQs over 150 who never achieve much because they lack ambition, people skills, or simply the drive to do anything with their intelligence.

5.3 What Actually Leads to Success?

If IQ isn’t the secret ingredient, what is?

• 🔥 Growth Mindset – Believing you can improve and learning from failure.
• 🔥 Emotional Intelligence (EQ) – Understanding and managing emotions (yours and others’).
• 🔥 Work Ethic & Grit – Sticking with goals even when things get tough.
• 🔥 Creativity & Adaptability – Thinking outside the box and adjusting to change.
• 🔥 Social Skills – Knowing how to connect, collaborate, and lead.

These are the qualities that separate the high achievers from the “wasted potential” crowd.

6. Can You Actually Get Smarter? Here’s What Science Says

Alright, let’s talk about brain gains—can you actually raise your IQ, or are you just stuck with whatever number you got?

Technically, your IQ score is supposed to stay pretty stable throughout life. It’s like your height—after a certain point, it’s not changing much. But here’s the good news: you can absolutely improve the skills that IQ tests measure, like problem-solving, logical reasoning, and memory. In other words, you might not change the number, but you can definitely level up your brainpower and cognitive performance.

So if you want to sharpen your mind and function at your highest level, here’s how to actually “train” your brain like a pro.

🧠 6.1 Make Learning a Lifestyle

Think of your brain like a muscle—the more you use it, the stronger it gets. If you stop learning, your brain gets lazy—and nobody wants a lazy brain.

• ✅ Read challenging books (not just social media posts)
• ✅ Watch educational documentaries or take online courses
• ✅ Learn a new language—it literally builds new neural pathways
• ✅ Write and explain ideas to others—it forces your brain to process information deeply

The key? Stay curious. The smartest people aren’t just born that way—they constantly feed their brains with new information.

🎯 6.2 Train Your Brain Like an Athlete

If you want a sharper mind, you need to challenge it the same way you challenge your body at the gym. IQ tests measure pattern recognition, problem-solving, and memory—so practicing those skills can make you faster and more efficient at them.

Try this:

• ✔ Logic puzzles & riddles (like Sudoku, chess, or brain teasers)
• ✔ Strategy games (poker, Rubik’s cubes, even video games that require tactical thinking)
• ✔ Math & pattern exercises (IQ tests love these)
• ✔ Analyzing problems from different angles instead of taking the obvious solution

The goal? Make your brain work harder in ways it’s not used to. Just like lifting weights builds muscle, pushing your brain past its comfort zone builds cognitive flexibility.

💪 6.3 Treat Your Brain Like a VIP (Because It Is)

You can have the best brain in the world, but if you’re running on four hours of sleep and a diet of energy drinks and chips, don’t expect it to perform at its best.

• 🔹 Get Enough Sleep – Sleep is literally how your brain resets and strengthens memory. No sleep = slower thinking.
• 🔹 Eat Brain-Boosting Foods – Omega-3s (found in fish, nuts, and seeds) are like super fuel for cognitive function.
• 🔹 Exercise Regularly – Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, keeping it sharp and alert.
• 🔹 Limit Stress – Chronic stress damages brain cells. Find ways to relax, meditate, or just laugh more—yes, laughter actually boosts brain health!

Taking care of your body = taking care of your brainpower.

🕹 6.4 Do Brain Training Games Actually Work?

You’ve probably seen apps that claim to boost your IQ—but do they actually work? The research is mixed.

• 🔸 Some studies show that working memory training (like N-back tasks) can improve problem-solving skills.
• 🔸 Other studies say brain games only make you better at the game itself, not necessarily at real-life cognitive tasks.

So, should you play them? Sure, but don’t rely on them alone—mix them with real-world problem-solving, reading, and deep thinking for the best results.

7. Final Thoughts

A good IQ score is generally considered 115 or higher, but intelligence is so much more than just a number. High IQ can be helpful in academics and certain careers, but it doesn’t determine your worth, creativity, or future success.

The real key? How you apply what you know. Whether your IQ is 90, 120, or 140+, your effort, adaptability, and social skills will shape your success more than your test score ever will. 🚀