What IQ Is Considered Genius?
Science · 6 min read
The word "genius" is often thrown around loosely, but in the context of IQ testing, it has a specific meaning. Understanding where genius begins requires understanding the full IQ scale.
The Genius Threshold
Most psychologists consider an IQ of 140 or above to be in the "genius" range. This puts someone in approximately the top 0.4% of the population — about 1 in 250 people. Some definitions set the bar even higher at 145 or 160.
Mensa and High-IQ Societies
Mensa, the most famous high-IQ society, requires a score in the top 2% of the population — an IQ of approximately 130 or above. There are even more exclusive societies: Intertel (top 1%), Triple Nine Society (top 0.1%), and Mega Society (top 0.0001%).
IQ Ranges Explained
Is IQ the Only Measure of Genius?
Many researchers argue that genius requires more than just a high IQ. Creativity, originality, persistence, and the ability to make groundbreaking contributions to a field are equally important. Many people with IQs of 160+ never make significant contributions, while others with IQs of 120 change the world.