IQ Percentile Explained: Score-to-Percentile Table
Last updated: June 1, 2025
IQ Percentile Explained: Score-to-Percentile TableLast updated: June 1, 2025
What does IQ percentile mean?
An IQ percentile tells you what percentage of the population scored below you. A percentile of 75 means you scored higher than 75% of people. IQ is specifically designed so that 100 equals the 50th percentile — meaning half the population scores above and half below. The further your score is from 100, the rarer it is.
IQ Score to Percentile Table
| IQ Score | Percentile | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 145 | 99.9th | Profoundly gifted |
| 140 | 99.6th | Very Superior |
| 135 | 99th | Very Superior |
| 130 | 98th | Very Superior |
| 125 | 95th | Superior |
| 120 | 91st | Superior |
| 115 | 84th | High Average |
| 110 | 75th | High Average |
| 105 | 63rd | Average |
| 100 | 50th | Average |
| 95 | 37th | Average |
| 90 | 25th | Low Average |
| 85 | 16th | Low Average |
| 80 | 9th | Borderline |
| 75 | 5th | Borderline |
| 70 | 2nd | Extremely Low |
Based on a normal distribution with mean = 100, SD = 15 (Wechsler scale).
How is IQ percentile calculated?
IQ scores follow a normal (bell-curve) distribution with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation (SD) of 15. Because of this structure, percentiles can be calculated mathematically. Each additional SD corresponds to a meaningful jump in rarity:
- 100 (mean) = 50th percentile
- 115 (+1 SD) = 84th percentile — top 16%
- 130 (+2 SD) = 98th percentile — top 2%
- 145 (+3 SD) = 99.9th percentile — top 0.1%
What is a good percentile?
There is no single "good" percentile — it depends on your goals. A 75th percentile (IQ ~110) is sufficient for most careers and academic programs. Many selective universities informally target students in the 90th–95th percentile range. Mensa requires the 98th percentile or above.
Does percentile matter more than the raw score?
Yes, in most contexts. The raw number (say, 118) is less meaningful than knowing it places you in the 88th percentile. This is especially true when comparing across different IQ tests, which use different score ranges and scales.
Frequently Asked Questions
What percentile is an IQ of 130?
An IQ of 130 corresponds to the 98th percentile — higher than 98% of the population. This is the threshold for Mensa membership.
What percentile is an IQ of 115?
An IQ of 115 is the 84th percentile, meaning you score higher than approximately 84% of the population. This falls in the "High Average" range.
Is the 50th percentile average?
Yes. The 50th percentile (IQ = 100) is the exact average by design. Half the population scores above and half below.
Test Your Reasoning
The best way to understand where your skills lie is to try a test. Take our free IQ-style quiz — 25 questions, instant result. For entertainment only.