Babies don't have a measurable IQ at birth because standard IQ tests aren't designed for them, but their development can be tracked through specialized scales like the Bayley Scales, which assess milestones, with average scores aligning to a 100 IQ for their age group, indicating typical progress rather than a fixed intelligence score. While early signs of rapid growth (like weight/head circumference) can link to later higher IQ, the core concept is that all newborns are compared to other newborns, so they're effectively starting at a baseline of average (100) for their developmental stage, though this score isn't formally given.
No, an IQ of 97 is not considered dumb; it falls squarely in the average range (90-109), indicating typical cognitive abilities, though some tests might place it slightly below the exact midpoint of 100. An IQ score of 97 means you performed better than 42% of people, and due to the test's margin of error, your score could be anywhere from the high 80s to the mid-100s, still within normal intelligence.
The following IQ ranges are not universally agreed upon, but they are the most up-to-date ranges that are commonly referenced by many experts and organizations in the field: 120–129: Advanced Learner. 130–144: Gifted. 145–159: Highly Gifted.
For most 2-year olds, if their IQ could be measured, it would be between 85 and 115.
90-109: Average. Most children fall within this range, and schools typically gear their instruction towards these abilities. 80-89: Low Average. These children may require some extra support in certain academic areas.
If you're asking “what is the average IQ in Australia”, data from IQTests.com reports that Australia's average IQ is exactly 100. This aligns with global norms and reinforces that an IQ score of 100 represents the standard benchmark for cognitive ability in both children and adults.
An IQ score of 130 or higher is generally considered the threshold for giftedness, placing an individual in the top 2% of the population, though this can vary slightly by test and definition, with higher scores indicating more profound levels like Highly Gifted (145-159) or Exceptionally Gifted (160+). While 130+ is common for educational programs, some consider IQs from 115-129 as "mildly gifted" or "bright," showing above-average ability, notes the Davidson Institute.
90% of the brain develops before age 5.
The brain is most flexible and adaptable to learning during the earliest years, and as the brain matures, it is less capable of reorganizing and adapting to new or unexpected challenges.
Abilities change, but IQ scores tend to be very stable. However the intelligence ability is changing during the life, the IQ (intelligence quotient) does not. This measure is defined to have mean of 100 in each age group. So the average IQ e.g. in the age 5 is 100, and the same in the age 50.
Snoop Dogg has publicly stated he has an IQ of 147, a score that falls into the "highly gifted" or "genius" category, much to his own surprise given his self-described average school performance (straight Cs). While this self-reported score suggests exceptional intellect, IQ tests measure specific cognitive abilities, and success in life and business (like Snoop Dogg's multifaceted career as a rapper, entrepreneur, and media personality) reflects a broader range of intelligence and skills.
Lady Gaga's IQ is widely rumored to be around 166, placing her in the "exceptionally gifted" or genius category, though this is an estimation often cited in celebrity lists, not a officially verified number from a public test. This high estimate is supported by her early academic achievements, like attending a summer program for the top 1% of students, and her demonstrated creative and musical genius as a composer and performer, notes Us Weekly and Brainmanager.io.
Meaning of IQ
85 to 115 - Two thirds of us have an IQ in this range: the 'average' IQ is 100. Over 135 - You are in the top 1%.
Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump: At an early age, Forrest is deemed to have a below-average IQ of 75. He has an endearing character and shows devotion to his loved ones and duties, character traits that bring him into many life-changing situations.
Studies have shown that intelligence has a genetic component, but they have not conclusively identified any single genes that have major roles in differences in intelligence. It is likely that intelligence involves many genes that each make only a small contribution to a person's intelligence.
Scores of 55 to 69 are considered a mild impairment. Scores of 40 to 54 are considered a moderate impairment. Scores below 40 are considered an extreme impairment.
The brain's frontal lobes, which are involved in ADHD, continue to mature until we reach age 35. In practical terms, this means that people with ADHD can expect some lessening of their symptoms over time. Many will not match the emotional maturity of a 21-year-old until their late 30's.
“The first three years are extremely, completely important for kids because that's when those neurons connect and then they're there for life,” George said. “That's a permanent infrastructure and at age 4, the brain changes. Any neurons that haven't been connected get purged out of the brain.”
A new study has found that adolescence can continue until the age of 32, as humans hit four major “turning points” in brain development at the ages of about nine, 32, 66 and 83.
Commonly used assessments in Australia include:
Educational psychologists consider a gifted IQ to be 130 or higher (98th percentile) on the WISC or WPPSI, or around 132+ on the Stanford-Binet.
Several of them might surprise you.
Recent research out of Harvard, Stanford, and the University of Pennsylvania suggests that while raw IQ may not increase dramatically, certain cognitive skills that contribute to performance on IQ tests can be improved through targeted training.
Japan ranks highest in average IQ globally, with an average IQ score of 106.48, according to recently updated data from DataPandas on May 20, 2025. National IQ is influenced by factors such as education, healthcare, nutrition, and economic stability.
Research shows IQ test scores peak at ages 25-29 and decline afterward, with a steeper drop after age 70.
The only way to take an official IQ test in Australia is through a registered psychologist. At Psychology Melbourne, we provide face-to-face assessments using the WAIS-IV.