There are quite a few IQ tests being used today and each test has their own range of IQ scores to determine the intelligence of the individual taking the test. By understanding the various testing ranges and scores, a person can understand where their intelligence falls compared to the rest of mankind.
The most popular IQ tests currently performed are the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children. Founded in 1939, they have made five variations of the test.
The test for children measures the IQ of those between the ages of 6 through 16. The test is used by psychologists to find learning disabilities and dysfunctions that a child may have earlier on in life so they can be placed in appropriate educational programs that best suit their needs.
The Wechsler Scale’s intelligence scores range as follows:
| IQ Range ("Deviation IQ") | IQ Classification |
|---|---|
| 145-160 | Very gifted or highly advanced |
| 130-144 | Gifted or very advanced |
| 120-129 | Superior |
| 110-119 | High average |
| 90-109 | Average |
| 80-89 | Low average |
| 70-79 | Borderline impaired or delayed |
| 55-69 | Mildly impaired or delayed |
| 40-54 | Moderately impaired or delayed |
Stanford-Binet
This test is on the fifth version and can be administered both verbally and non-verbally. The Stanford-Binet test is an adaptive IQ test and changes based on the test takers age level and needs. It is used to find learning disabilities and other dysfunctions in children that may require additional educational help.
The Stanford-Binet IQ score ranges are as follows:
| IQ Range ("Deviation IQ") | IQ Classification |
|---|---|
| 145-160 | Very gifted or highly advanced |
| 130-144 | Gifted or very advanced |
| 120-129 | Superior |
| 110-119 | High average |
| 90-109 | Average |
| 80-89 | Low average |
| 70-79 | Borderline impaired or delayed |
| 55-69 | Mildly impaired or delayed |
| 40-54 | Moderately impaired or delayed |
Of course there are other IQ tests and they have varying scoring ranges, but generally, the most used platform for scoring has 100 being the average IQ score with a range of plus or minus ten points.
Wonderlic
The Wonderlic is another popular cognitive ability test, though it’s not necessarily an IQ test. However, this is the most popular intelligence test given by employers and education providers because it’s quicker and easier to administer. 50 multiple choice questions are asked and have to be answered in 12 minutes. Each correct answer is worth one point.
The table below correlates the Wonderlic score with the percentile of intelligence. So, for example, if you score a 30 you are in the 86th percentile of human intelligence, which is well above the average score which is generally accepted to be between 20 and 22.
| Wonderlic Score | Percentile |
|---|---|
| 0-8 | |
| 9 | 5 |
| 10 | 6 |
| 11 | 8 |
| 12 | 10 |
| 13 | 13 |
| 14 | 16 |
| 15 | 19 |
| 16 | 23 |
| 17 | 27 |
| 18 | 31 |
| 19 | 36 |
| 20 | 41 |
| 21 | 46 |
| 22 | 51 |
| 23 | 57 |
| 24 | 62 |
| 25 | 67 |
| 26 | 71 |
| 27 | 76 |
| 28 | 80 |
| 29 | 83 |
| 30 | 86 |
| 31 | 89 |
| 32 | 91 |
| 33 | 93 |
| 34 | 95 |
| 35 | 96 |
| 36 | 97 |
| 37 | 98 |
| 38 | 98 |
| 39 | 98 |
| 40 | 99 |
| 41 | 99 |
| 42 | 99 |
| 43 | 99 |
| 44 | 99 |
| 45 | 99 |
| 46 | 99 |
| 47 | 99 |
| 48 | 99 |
| 49 | 99 |
| 50 | 99 |