Mensa's IQ requirement is scoring in the top 2% of the population, typically meaning an IQ of 130 or higher on tests like the Wechsler scales, or 132 on the Stanford-Binet, though the exact score varies by test. Qualification comes from taking Mensa's supervised test or submitting scores from prior, approved intelligence tests administered by a psychologist, with scores usually needing to hit the 98th percentile on that specific test.
To join Mensa, you need a score in the top 2% of the population, which translates to an IQ of approximately 130 or higher on most standard tests (with a standard deviation of 15), but the exact score varies by test, such as 132 on Stanford-Binet or 148 on Cattell tests, because each test uses different scales to measure the same 98th percentile level.
We use a modern multi-part IQ test which allows several IQ scores to be derived. A qualifying score in one of these will get you an invitation to join Mensa. A qualifying score is a result at or above the 98th percentile -- that is, a score in the range achieved by the top 2 percent of the population.
In practice, qualifying for Mensa in the top 2% means scoring 132 or more in the Stanford-Binet test, or 148 or more in the Cattell equivalent.
Albert Einstein never took an official IQ test, so his score is an estimate, but most sources place it around 160, considered genius level, though some believe it could have been higher. This figure is based on his revolutionary scientific achievements, like the theory of relativity, rather than a standardized test. IQ tests from his era weren't as developed, and his unique thinking style makes accurate modern comparison difficult.
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.
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.
Stephen Hawking never officially revealed his IQ, and often dismissed the metric, famously saying, "People who boast about their IQ are losers". While estimates place his IQ around 160, a genius level, this is speculative; Hawking emphasized that creativity, persistence, and passion for science were more important than a single score, despite his profound impact on physics.
In fact, the Chinese-Australian Terence Tao is the person with the highest IQ in the world at present. With an outstanding IQ of 230, Terence Tao was born on July 17, 1975 in Adelaide, Australia. He was regarded as a child prodigy as claimed by educational researcher Miraca Gross while researching gifted children.
Matt Damon
The Hollywood heavyweight, who boasts an IQ of 160, famously completed the project with his longtime friend Ben Affleck.
A 72 IQ is considered Borderline Intellectual Functioning (BIF), falling just above the threshold for intellectual disability (usually around 70), placing it in the lower end of the spectrum (70-79) and indicating slower learning and potential needs for support in daily living, though it's not low enough for an official intellectual disability diagnosis by itself, notes Quora user. It's in the bottom few percentiles of the population, requiring more time to grasp complex concepts but not necessarily severe impairment.
What does Mensa membership cost? In addition to qualification fees for supervised testing or evaluation of prior testing, members pay annual membership dues. Life, multi-year, and dues rates for additional family members are available. Visit our dues page for more information.
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.
A score of above 130 typically falls into the category of high IQ, while the term "genius IQ" is primarily reserved for scores exceeding 140. This classification highlights exceptional intellectual capability.
Mensa's requirement for membership is a score at or above the 98th percentile on certain standardized IQ or other approved intelligence tests, such as the Stanford–Binet Intelligence Scales.
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.
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.
Careers in the medical field, computer programing, university research positions, and engineering are among the ones with the highest requirements to be smart and have a high IQ. Concentrating on the linked thoughts, facts, and knowledge to aid in problem-solving is the result of intelligence at work.
Is Kim Kardashian's IQ really 190? No—it's a baseless rumor from unreliable sites. No verified score exists; estimates range 95–119 based on her education & career, but her actual IQ remains unknown.
Celebrity Genius 5 - James Woods
Emmy Award winner James Woods is an Oscar-nominee and superstar has a whopping IQ of 180. While in high school, Woods was in a UCLA linear algebra course.
Leonardo da Vinci: IQ 180–220
While IQ tests weren't around when Leonardo da Vinci was living, some have estimated that his score would have been between 180 and 220. Like other people considered geniuses, he had a wide range of skills, excelling in everything from art and science to music and architecture.
We all know that Gaga is a creative genius, but it turns out she's an actual genius too with a widely-estimated IQ of 166, making her “exceptionally gifted” — and we don't disagree!
Madonna reportedly has a genius-level IQ of around 140, well above the average, with sources citing her intelligence and business acumen, often linking it to her ability to recognize patterns and disrupt culture. This high score is sometimes associated with her academic achievements, like receiving a scholarship to the University of Michigan, and her remarkable career longevity, making her a highly successful artist.
Ashton Kutcher Before fame, Kutcher studied Biochemical Engineering. With an IQ of 160, he now channels that intellect into tech investments and philanthropy.