A good IQ score is generally considered to be 115 or higher, placing you above the 84th percentile of the population (more than one standard deviation above the mean of 100). Scores between 90 and 109 represent average cognitive ability, while a score of 130 or higher enters the top 2% (gifted range).
📊 Quick Reference: Wechsler IQ Classification
Population Average
IQ 100 (50th Percentile)
Above Average Threshold
IQ 115+ (Top 16%)
Superior / Gifted
IQ 130+ (Top 2.2%)
Standard Deviation
15 Points (Wechsler / WAIS-IV)
Understanding the standard normal curve in IQ testing
Modern intelligence tests do not calculate mental age divided by chronological age. Instead, they use deviation scoring based on a Gaussian normal distribution. The test is standardised so that the population mean is exactly 100 and the standard deviation (SD) is 15 points.
Because human cognitive traits distribute symmetrically, roughly 68.2% of all individuals score within one standard deviation of the mean (between 85 and 115). Approximately 95.4% score within two standard deviations (between 70 and 130).
Wechsler classification table
IQ Score Range
Standard Classification
Population Percentile
Approximate Frequency
130 and above
Very Superior / Gifted
98th percentile and above
1 in 44 people (2.28%)
120 – 129
Superior
91st to 97th percentile
1 in 15 people (6.7%)
110 – 119
High Average
75th to 90th percentile
1 in 6 people (16.1%)
90 – 109
Average
25th to 74th percentile
1 in 2 people (50.0%)
80 – 89
Low Average
9th to 24th percentile
1 in 6 people (16.1%)
70 – 79
Borderline
2nd to 8th percentile
1 in 15 people (6.7%)
Below 70
Extremely Low
Below 2nd percentile
1 in 44 people (2.28%)
What does a 'good' IQ score actually predict?
Psychometric research over the past century demonstrates that higher cognitive test scores correlate moderately to strongly with academic achievement, complex problem-solving performance, and occupational training success. However, an IQ score is not a comprehensive measure of human value, emotional intelligence, creativity, grit, or ethical judgment.
Yes. An IQ of 115 is one standard deviation above the mean, placing you in the 84th percentile (top 16% of the population).
What IQ is required for Mensa membership?
Mensa requires a score at or above the 98th percentile, which corresponds to an IQ of 130 on the standard Wechsler scale (SD 15) or 132 on the Stanford-Binet scale (SD 16).
Can an online test give you an official clinical score?
No. Online cognitive assessments provide self-insight and relative index scores for entertainment and learning, but official clinical diagnoses require in-person administration by a licensed psychologist.
Researchers, educators, and content publishers may reference this analysis using the citation hyperlink below:
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