The average IQ is traditionally defined as 100 on standard IQ tests, with about 68% of people scoring between 85 and 115 (one standard deviation from the mean). In practice, estimates of the average IQ can vary slightly by sample and test version, but 100 remains the conventional benchmark.
Key points:
- Typical range for “average” performance: 85–115, encompassing roughly two-thirds of the population.
- Many national or regional studies report averages near 100 but can drift by a few points due to sample differences, test versions, and socio-environmental factors.
- Scores above 130 are usually labeled as high or gifted, and below 70 can indicate potential intellectual challenges, though interpretation depends on context and clinical assessment.
If you’d like, I can tailor the answer to a specific country, age group, or IQ test version (e.g., WAIS, Stanford-Binet) and provide the most relevant averages.
