IQ 120
Superior
91% percentile • 1 in 11
Quick Answer
An IQ of 120 is classified as Superior, placing you in the 91% percentile (1 in 11).
Where IQ 120 Falls on the Distribution
The bell curve shows the normal distribution of IQ scores. The mean is 100 with a standard deviation of 15. The highlighted area represents the percentage of people who score at or below IQ 120.
What an IQ of 120 Means
Superior intelligence indicates above-average cognitive abilities. Individuals at this level typically perform well academically, can handle complex professional work, and often advance to leadership positions in their careers.
Key Characteristics
- Above-average problem-solving skills
- Good capacity for learning and retention
- Capable of handling professional complexity
- Often successful in university-level education
- Effective at planning and strategic thinking
The Professional Sweet Spot: Superior Intelligence
An IQ of 120 places you in the top 9% of the population — a level associated with high professional achievement. Research consistently shows that IQ 120 is a significant threshold: it is the approximate average IQ for professionals in law, medicine, engineering, and executive management. Barrick and Mount (1991) found that cognitive ability at this level is one of the strongest predictors of job performance in complex roles.
Real-World Analogy
Scoring IQ 120 is like being a varsity athlete — not Olympic level, but clearly above the recreational player. In a university lecture hall of 200 students, roughly 18 would score at or above this level. This is where learning feels noticeably easier than for peers.
Education Context
IQ 120 is associated with successful completion of graduate-level education (MBA, JD, MD, MS). Most competitive graduate programs have average student IQs in the 118-125 range. At this level, individuals can handle complex abstract material and professional licensing exams.
How It Compares
The difference between IQ 115 and IQ 120 is practically meaningful: it shifts from "bright" to "clearly superior." At IQ 120, standardized test performance typically jumps — SAT scores around 1300+, GRE scores in the 75th+ percentile. The next major threshold is IQ 130 (gifted).
Did You Know?
- 1IQ 120 is the approximate average for physicians, attorneys, and PhD holders
- 2Most Fortune 500 CEOs have estimated IQs between 120-135
- 3At IQ 120, you can typically master any standard professional skill set given adequate training
- 4This is roughly the minimum IQ where individuals begin to independently generate novel solutions to complex problems
Famous People with Similar IQ
These historical figures have estimated IQs similar to 120:
Career Implications
Well-suited for a wide range of professional careers. Can succeed in management, technical roles, and positions requiring good judgment and analytical skills.
Suitable Careers for IQ 120
College Majors by IQ
These college majors have average student IQs similar to 120:
Universities at This IQ Level
These universities have estimated average student IQs near 120:
Understanding IQ Classifications
| IQ Range | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| 160+ | Profoundly Gifted | 99.997% |
| 145-159 | Genius | 99.87% |
| 130-144 | Gifted | 98% |
| 120-129 | Superior | 91% |
| 110-119 | High Average | 75% |
| 90-109 | Average | 50% |
| 80-89 | Low Average | 25% |
| <80 | Below Average | <25% |
Take the Full IQ Test
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IQ 120: People Also Ask
What does an IQ of 120 mean?+
An IQ of 120 is classified as "Superior" and places you in the 91% percentile. This means you score higher than approximately 91% of the population on standardized intelligence tests. Superior intelligence indicates above-average cognitive abilities.
Is 120 IQ considered good?+
Yes, an IQ of 120 is above average. The mean IQ is 100, so a score of 120 indicates superior cognitive abilities. This level of intelligence is associated with well-suited for a wide range of professional careers.
What careers are suitable for an IQ of 120?+
Well-suited for a wide range of professional careers. Can succeed in management, technical roles, and positions requiring good judgment and analytical skills.
How rare is an IQ of 120?+
An IQ of 120 is found in approximately 1 in 11 people. This places you in the 91% percentile of the population. This is an above-average level of intelligence.
Can I improve from an IQ of 120?+
While IQ is relatively stable in adulthood, you can optimize your cognitive performance through several strategies: maintaining good sleep habits, regular exercise, continuous learning, managing stress, and challenging your brain with novel problems. These won't dramatically change your IQ score but can help you perform at your cognitive best.
