What Is a Good IQ Score? A Breakdown by Percentile
What Is a Good IQ Score? A Breakdown by Percentile
IQ test scores have fascinated people for over a century. Whether you're curious about your own cognitive abilities or trying to understand what qualifies as a “high IQ,” knowing how these scores work is the first step.
In this article, we’ll break down what makes a “good” IQ score, how percentiles help you understand your results, and why taking a modern IQ test like Neuro IQ can give you more than just a number—it can give you actionable insight.
What Is an IQ Test Score?
IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is a score derived from standardized tests that measure a range of cognitive skills like logical reasoning, verbal understanding, mathematical ability, and visual-spatial awareness. The average IQ score is set at 100, and most people score somewhere between 85 and 115.
But the number alone doesn’t mean much without context. That’s where percentiles come in.
IQ Score Ranges and What They Mean
Let’s break down the most common IQ score ranges and their interpretations:
| IQ Score | Classification | Percentile Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 130+ | Very Superior | 98th percentile and above |
| 120–129 | Superior | 91st–97th percentile |
| 110–119 | High Average | 75th–90th percentile |
| 90–109 | Average | 25th–74th percentile |
| 80–89 | Low Average | 9th–24th percentile |
| 70–79 | Borderline | 2nd–8th percentile |
| Below 70 | Extremely Low | Below 2nd percentile |
Most people fall within the Average range, but even small differences can reflect different cognitive strengths. A score of 115 versus 100 can put you in a significantly higher percentile.
What Is a “Good” IQ Score?
The term “good” is subjective. Technically, anything above the average range (90–109) could be considered good, but it really depends on the context:
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Above 110? You’re performing well above the norm in cognitive reasoning.
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Over 120? You’re in the top 10% of the population.
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130 or more? You're officially in the “gifted” range.
Keep in mind that IQ isn’t everything. It doesn’t measure creativity, emotional intelligence, work ethic, or resilience—qualities just as important in life and career.
How Percentiles Help You Understand IQ Test Scores
A percentile rank tells you how your score compares to others.
If you score in the 90th percentile, it means you did better than 90 out of every 100 people. This gives you a much clearer sense of where you stand than the raw number alone.
For example:
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An IQ of 125 means you're around the 95th percentile.
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An IQ of 100 means you're right at the 50th percentile—exactly average.
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An IQ of 85 puts you at about the 16th percentile.
This context is incredibly valuable—especially when you're using your results for educational, career, or personal growth goals.
Not All IQ Tests Are Equal
There are dozens of online IQ tests—but many lack scientific structure or scoring accuracy.
That’s why Neuro IQ stands out.
Our test is grounded in modern cognitive science and evaluates five core domains:
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Logical Reasoning
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Verbal Intelligence
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Mathematical Ability
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Visual/Spatial Reasoning
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Pattern Recognition
Each section is carefully calibrated, and once you finish the test, you’ll receive an instant IQ score with percentile rankings.
Go Deeper with a Premium Analytics Report
Want more than just your score?
Upgrade to our Premium Analytics Report and unlock:
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A detailed breakdown of your strengths and weaknesses
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Custom cognitive advice
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A downloadable certificate with your IQ score
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Missed question analysis with explanations
It's the difference between seeing what you scored—and understanding why.
What Can You Do with Your IQ Score?
Knowing your IQ and percentile can be both fascinating and practical. Here's how people use it:
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Students use it to find learning styles that suit them.
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Professionals use it to understand how they process information and solve problems.
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Self-improvement seekers use it to guide brain-training or personal development.
It’s not about labeling yourself—it’s about unlocking potential.
Take the Neuro IQ Test Today
Curious where you rank?
Take the Neuro IQ Test now for free and get your IQ score with instant results. It only takes a few minutes—but the insight lasts a lifetime.
Want the full picture? Upgrade to the Premium Analytics Report after your test to see how your brain really works.
Final Thoughts
Your IQ test score is more than just a number. When paired with your percentile, it paints a detailed picture of your cognitive strengths and how you compare to others.
Whether you’re aiming to optimize your learning, challenge yourself intellectually, or just curious, understanding your IQ score is a powerful step toward greater self-awareness.
Start your journey today with Neuro IQ—the modern way to test your intelligence.