An IQ score is a way of comparing your performance on certain mental tasks to other people
your age. It’s not a measure of your worth as a person—and it doesn’t capture every type
of intelligence.
Scale centered at 100 (average)
Scores compare you to your age group
How IQ tests work behind the scenes
Modern IQ tests are built using large groups of people. Test designers:
Create questions that measure reasoning, memory, and problem-solving
Give them to thousands of people in different age groups
Use statistics to see how most people perform
Adjust the scoring so the average is 100
If you score 100, it doesn’t mean “perfect.” It means you did about as well as the
average person your age on that particular test.
What your IQ score is trying to tell you
In simple terms, your IQ score gives a rough estimate of how easily you handle:
Patterns and sequences
Verbal reasoning and vocabulary
Short-term memory tasks
Logic puzzles under time pressure
It’s one way (not the only way) to describe your thinking style and strengths.
What an IQ score does not mean
An IQ score does not measure:
Your value as a person
Your creativity or artistic talent
Your kindness or emotional intelligence
Your work ethic and discipline
Your entire potential in life
Plenty of people with average IQ scores build impressive careers and lives.
Plenty of people with high IQ scores still struggle if they don’t develop
good habits and social skills.