What is the average IQ? It is one of the most frequently asked questions about intelligence quotient. Whether you have just taken a test or are simply looking to understand where you stand compared to the population, this article provides you with all the answers with clear tables and precise statistics.
100 Average IQ of the population By definition, with a standard deviation of 15 pointsThe average IQ is set at 100 by convention. This is not a coincidence: IQ tests are calibrated so that the average of the population is always equal to 100, with a standard deviation (measure of dispersion) of 15 points.
IQ distribution table in the population
Here is the detailed distribution of IQ scores according to the normal distribution curve:
| IQ Score | Classification | % Population | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| 145+ | Genius / Very Superior | 0.1% | 1 in 1000 |
| 130-144 | Very Superior (HPI) | 2.1% | 1 in 50 |
| 120-129 | Superior | 6.7% | 1 in 15 |
| 110-119 | High Average | 16.1% | 1 in 6 |
| 90-109 | Average (Normal) | 50% | 1 in 2 |
| 80-89 | Low Average | 16.1% | 1 in 6 |
| 70-79 | Borderline | 6.7% | 1 in 15 |
| <70 | Intellectual Disability | 2.2% | 1 in 45 |
💡 Takeaway: If your IQ is between 90 and 110, you are average — like half of the world's population!
IQ categories explained
What does an IQ above 130 mean?
A score above 130 is often associated with High Intellectual Potential (HPI). These individuals represent about 2% of the population and generally exhibit certain characteristics:
- Quick learning and ease of understanding
- Intense intellectual curiosity
- Tree-like thinking (multiple ideas simultaneously)
- Increased sensitivity and perfectionism
- Need for meaning and existential questioning
The Gaussian curve of IQ
This bell curve shows that the vast majority of people (68%) have an IQ between 85 and 115. Extreme scores — very high or very low — are statistically rarer.
📊 And where do you stand?
Discover your IQ in 15 minutes with our free test
Famous IQs: some benchmarks
To give you an idea of what different IQ levels represent, here are some estimates of well-known personalities (based on assessments or historical estimates):
⭐ Estimated IQs of famous personalities
Does IQ change with age?
IQ is relatively stable in adulthood, but it can vary slightly depending on life stages:
- Childhood/Adolescence: IQ can fluctuate as the brain is still developing
- Adulthood (20-60 years): IQ generally remains stable
- After 60 years: Some abilities (processing speed) may decrease, but others (vocabulary, knowledge) remain stable or improve
🧠 Good news: Even though IQ is relatively fixed, you can improve your cognitive performance through regular brain training!
How to compare your score?
After taking an IQ test, use this table to understand your position:
- IQ 100 = You are exactly average (50th percentile)
- IQ 115 = You outperform 84% of the population
- IQ 130 = You outperform 98% of the population
- IQ 85 = 16% of the population has a score lower than yours
🎯 Discover your IQ now
Free test, 20 questions, instant results with detailed analysis by category.
Take the free test →