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How do I find my IQ?

Published in Intelligence Assessment 4 mins read

Finding your IQ typically involves taking a standardized intelligence test designed to measure various cognitive abilities and compare them to the performance of a large, representative sample of people. Your IQ score is a numerical representation of your cognitive abilities relative to your age group.

Understanding IQ Scores

Historically, one way an IQ score could be conceptualized was through a simple formula: IQ = (intelligence age / actual age) x 100. This formula, from early intelligence testing, aimed to show how a person's "mental age" compared to their chronological age. For instance, if a 10-year-old had the mental ability of a 12-year-old, their IQ would be (12/10) x 100 = 120.

However, most modern, professionally administered IQ tests, such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) or the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales, use a different approach called "deviation IQ." This method compares an individual's performance to the average performance of people in their specific age group, with an average score set at 100. Scores are then distributed along a bell curve, showing how far above or below average an individual's score falls.

How to Get Your IQ Score

The most reliable ways to find your IQ involve formal assessment:

1. Professional Standardized IQ Tests

The most accurate way to determine your IQ is by taking a comprehensive intelligence test administered by a qualified professional, such as a licensed psychologist or psychometrician. These tests are:

  • Standardized: Administered and scored in a consistent manner.
  • Normed: Developed using a large, diverse sample group to ensure results are comparable.
  • Validated: Proven to measure what they claim to measure.
  • Reliable: Provide consistent results over time.

These assessments usually involve a series of subtests measuring different cognitive domains, including:

  • Verbal Comprehension: Understanding and using language.
  • Perceptual Reasoning: Solving visual problems and understanding non-verbal concepts.
  • Working Memory: Holding and manipulating information in your mind.
  • Processing Speed: How quickly you can perform mental tasks.

The results provide a full-scale IQ score and often scores for individual cognitive areas, offering a detailed profile of your intellectual strengths and weaknesses. To find a professional who administers these tests, you can consult a local psychological association or ask for referrals from a general practitioner.

2. Online IQ Tests

While not as precise or comprehensive as professionally administered tests, many online platforms offer quick IQ assessments. Some platforms, like MentalUP's Culture Fair IQ test, are designed to give reliable results based on reference values and can provide your score instantly, differing from the more traditional, time-consuming methods. These tests can offer a general idea of your cognitive abilities and are often more accessible and quicker to complete. However, it's important to approach these results with the understanding that they are typically not a substitute for a full, professional evaluation.

Interpreting Your IQ Score

IQ scores are generally distributed along a normal curve, with the average score being 100. Approximately two-thirds of the population scores between 85 and 115.

Here's a general guide to IQ score ranges:

IQ Score Range Classification
130 and above Very Superior
120–129 Superior
110–119 High Average
90–109 Average
80–89 Low Average
70–79 Borderline
Below 70 Extremely Low

Important Considerations:

  • IQ is Not Fixed: While generally stable, IQ scores can be influenced by various factors, including education, nutrition, and environmental stimulation.
  • IQ is Not Everything: An IQ score measures specific cognitive abilities and does not encompass all forms of intelligence (e.g., emotional intelligence, practical intelligence, creativity) or predict overall life success.
  • Context Matters: A single IQ score should always be interpreted within the broader context of an individual's life, abilities, and circumstances.

In summary, for a highly accurate and detailed understanding of your cognitive profile, a professional evaluation is recommended. For a quick and convenient estimate, some online tests can provide an instant score.