Official IQ Test

Your IQ will help identify strengths and weaknesses in the aspects of intelligence our test measures. Your score will reflect where you lie compared to others in your age group. IQ tests are standardized to a median score of 100 and a deviation of 15. This means the most common score is 100 and 2/3rds of test takers score between 85 and 115. If your score is above 130 you're in the top 2.1% percentile.

Precise IQ tests gauge your score in relation to others, so their accuracy hinges on the quality of the data used for score computation. A multitude of online IQ tests derive their standardized scores from online test-taker data. However, this approach often lacks precision due to various factors that can compromise the accuracy of the data set used for scoring.

Statistically examining the link between IQ and success, we find noteworthy correlations across various fields. While it's expected for IQ to have a strong relationship with academic achievement, personality traits like Conscientiousness show a strong correlation with success, independent of intelligence. Interestingly, a study involving 140 eighth-grade students revealed that Self-Discipline surpassed IQ as a predictor of academic excellence. In creative domains, while IQ does play a role, success is better foretold by Divergent Thinking tests. In essence, while a high IQ can be beneficial in numerous pursuits, it isn't always essential, and often isn't the most critical attribute to have.

Mensa is a renowned organization that only accepts individuals who score in the top 2%, or the 98th percentile, on an IQ test. Recognized as the oldest, most prestigious high IQ society globally, Mensa sets a high bar for entry. Achieving a score of 132 (with a standard deviation of 16) or higher paves the way for the chance to join this elite group.

Mensa stands as the world's largest and oldest high IQ society, boasting members across over 100 countries. Their online IQ test is among the most sought-after and reputable intelligence assessments available. Comprising 30 timed multiple-choice questions, the test spans a variety of subjects, from mathematics and logic to spatial reasoning and general knowledge. According to Mensa, the average score on their online test is 103.4 (falling in the 17th percentile), with a standard deviation of 15 points. While the accuracy of online IQ tests often sparks debate, Mensa's consistent record in identifying high-IQ individuals is a testament to its credibility. The organization has a long-standing history of accurately pinpointing those with exceptional intellectual capabilities.

Thomas Gray's 1742 poem posited the idea, "Where ignorance is bliss." But is there truth to this sentiment? In brief: it's conditional. An examination of 23 studies revealed no direct correlation between individual happiness and IQ, suggesting personal contentment might be unaffected by intelligence. However, on a broader scale, the research showed nations with higher average IQs tend to be happier than those with lower IQs. Nonetheless, factors like gratitude and an individual's genetic predisposition are stronger predictors of overall happiness than intelligence alone.

While your baseline IQ is largely determined by genetics, research suggests you can improve cognitive performance through various methods. Regular mental exercises, learning new skills, physical exercise, adequate sleep, and proper nutrition all contribute to better brain function. Studies show that activities like reading, puzzles, and learning musical instruments can enhance specific cognitive abilities. However, dramatic IQ increases are unlikely - most improvements come from optimizing your existing potential rather than fundamentally changing your intelligence.

IQ scores follow a bell curve distribution where 100 is the median. Scores between 85-115 are considered average and represent about 68% of the population. A score of 115-129 is above average, while 130+ is considered superior or gifted (top 2%). Scores of 145+ are exceptionally rare (top 0.1%). Remember that IQ measures specific cognitive abilities and doesn't capture creativity, emotional intelligence, or practical skills that also contribute to success in life.