Meaning of IQ Scores

The meaning of IQ scores are an important element in measuring intelligence. According to Wikipedia, IQ scores and reference charts are tables suggested by psychologists to divide intelligence ranges into various categories. As reference charts, they are not to be taken as absolute or very precise. The reason for this is the lack of a uniform definition of intelligence and the current inability to wholly quantify it in a scientific manner.

To get a true IQ score, and arrive at a true meaning of IQ scores, as many as three IQ tests must be taken; since professionally administered IQ tests are only roughly 96% accurate. The average of multiple tests, usually at least three, is considered a person's "true" IQ score. However, these tests must be taken within a relatively short period of time, normally under one year for three or more tests. For the complete article on IQ charts visit Wikipedia. To better understand the meaning of IQ scores, please view the tables below.

IQ Percentiles Related to IQ Scores

50% of IQ scores fall between 90 and 110
70% of IQ scores fall between 85 and 115
95% of IQ scores fall between 70 and 130
99.5% of IQ scores fall between 60 and 140

Interpreting the Meaning of IQ Scores

There are many different IQ tables and charts. Only a few actually gave reference to who created the information that was listed. The IQ classification chart below contains two different IQ scales: Terman's Stanford-Binet and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Third edition.

The Stanford-Binet and the Wechsler Intelligence test are the two most widely used IQ tests. The Standford-Binet is the best intelligence scale for predicting future academic achievement. The Wechsler scales are a group of intelligence tests which are more accurate at distinguishing between different types of intelligence. Moreover, the Wechsler Intelligence Test is the most widely used IQ test.

Gifted and Bright Intelligence Scales

We came across these scales for bright and gifted people. No where could we find who developed these scales and we do not know how these scales are applied. We included these scales for your evaluation and you should not accept these scales as a set of scales that are used in clinical settings.

To give you an idea of the ratio of gifted people there are in the world, please see the following table:

Bright IQ Scores

The next IQ classification table gives IQ scores as related to the percentage of people who fall in their respective IQ score range.

Meaning of IQ Scores and Mental Retardation

The following IQ Chart reflects IQ scores of people who suffer from mental retardation. Borderline mental retardation starts at an IQ score of 70 and continues through profound mental retardation in which scores are 19 and lower.

• IQ of 50 - 70 - Mild mental retardation represents 85% of the population of mental retardation
• IQ of 35 - 50 - Moderate mental retardation represents 10% of the population of mental retardation
• IQ of 20 - 35 - Severe mental retardation represents 4% of the population of mental retardation
• IQ of 20 and below - Profound mental retardation represents 1% of the population of mental retardation

Meaning of IQ Scores, Intelligence and Employment

Generally speaking, college graduates typically have an average IQ score of 115 and those go on to post graduate study have an average IQ score of 125.