The term IQ — Intelligence Quotient — generally describes a score on a test that rates the subject’s cognitive ability as compared to the general public. IQ test scores are all about data and use a standardized scale, with 100 as the median or normal IQ score. Here are the ranges:
- • 130 and above: High
- • 90-110: Average
- • 80-90: Below Average
- • 70 to 80: Borderline
- • Below 70: Intellectual deficiency
Only 2% of people have what’s considered to be a high IQ of 130 or greater. Although that's extremely smart, some of the most brilliant minds of our time had IQs that were far higher. Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking, for example, both boasted estimated genius IQ scores of 160. To date, the highest IQ ever recorded belongs to an American writer named Marilyn vos Savant, who rates a whopping 228. So what’s involved in an IQ test? Simply put, IQ tests are designed to measure your general ability to solve problems and understand concepts. This includes reasoning ability, problem-solving ability, ability to perceive relationships between things, and ability to store and retrieve information. If you’re interested in taking an online IQ test, one from Mensa — a high-IQ society open to people with an IQ of 132 or higher — is available on this website.
