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Quick answer: An IQ of 100 puts you at the 50th percentile — the exact population average. IQ 115 places you in the top 16% (84th percentile). IQ 130 is the top 2% and the standard Mensa admission threshold. Enter any score below to see your exact percentile and where you fall on the bell curve.
Type your score into the calculator below to see your exact percentile, classification and rarity, plotted on a bell curve.
How the IQ percentile calculator works
Modern IQ tests are designed so scores follow a normal distribution (a bell curve) with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15. Your percentile is calculated as the area under that curve up to your score — the same maths behind Wechsler and Stanford–Binet scoring.
IQ classification chart
| IQ score | Percentile | Classification | How rare |
|---|---|---|---|
| 145+ | ~99.9th | Near-genius / very gifted | ~1 in 1,000 |
| 130–144 | ~98th | Gifted | ~1 in 50 |
| 120–129 | ~91st | Above average (superior) | ~1 in 11 |
| 110–119 | ~75th | High average | ~1 in 4 |
| 90–109 | ~25–73rd | Average | ~1 in 2 |
| 80–89 | ~9th | Low average | ~1 in 6 |
| Below 70 | ~2nd | Well below average | ~1 in 50 |
What does percentile mean?
Your percentile is how you compare to everyone else. Scoring in the 90th percentile means you did as well or better than 90 percent of people who took the same test. It is not the same as “you got 90% right” — the raw questions can be much harder or easier.
How to use your percentile score
- Take a supervised test for anything official. Online estimates are useful, but Mensa entry, gifted-programme placement and clinical diagnosis need a proctored, standardized test.
- Do not over-interpret a single result. A single number is a snapshot of one day, not a verdict on ability.
- Combine with EQ and effort. Cognitive research consistently finds that emotional intelligence, drive and opportunity often matter as much as raw IQ.
Want to see where your IQ score would put you compared with peers? Try our free IQ tests for adults or the Mensa-style IQ test.
Frequently asked questions
What percentile is an IQ of 130?
Approximately the 98th percentile — only about 2% of the population score 130 or higher. It is the conventional gifted threshold.
What percentile is an IQ of 100?
The 50th percentile — it is the exact middle of the distribution and represents average intelligence.
Is a higher percentile always better?
Not necessarily. Percentile only measures reasoning under test conditions. Creativity, emotional intelligence and motivation are not captured here.
How accurate is this calculator?
The percentile itself is exact for a normal distribution with mean 100 and SD 15. The IQ score you enter is only as accurate as the test you took — online tests are estimates, not clinical assessments.
This tool is for general information and is not a clinical assessment. For a formal IQ evaluation, consult a licensed psychologist.
Related free tests
- Free IQ Test for Adults
- Mensa IQ Test
- Classic IQ Test
- IQ Percentile Calculator
- Free IQ Test hub — compare all tests