The top 2% of IQ scores typically starts at 130 or higher, representing a "very superior" intelligence range, with specific cutoffs varying slightly by test (e.g., 132+ for Mensa on some tests, or 148+ on Cattell). Scores of 130+ are considered high IQ, while 140+ is often labeled genius, with only about 2% of the population reaching these levels.
Two of the most well-known IQ tests are 'Stanford-Binet' and 'Cattell' (explained in more detail below). 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.
Top 2% IQ means every 1 in 50 people which means you can find a person with 130 IQ in every two classes (supposing classes have 25 students per each) in a randomly selected school.
A person who achieves an IQ score in the top 2% of the population has scored higher than 98% of all the people in the same age cohort who took that test. This means that person is in the 98th percentile. This corresponds to an IQ score of about 131.
Mensa is very clear that membership is only open to individuals with an IQ in the top 2% of the population. As noted above, 2.2% of the population falls in the 130 and above category. So, technically, those whose IQ is 130 and 131 do not quite meet the criteria.
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.
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.
Snoop Dogg has claimed to have an IQ of 147, a score he revealed on Instagram, which classifies as "highly gifted" or genius level, despite graduating high school with straight C's and considering himself a poor student. While the exact test isn't verified, he has expressed surprise at his own high score, contrasting it with his academic struggles, but acknowledges his brilliance in music and business, notes Esquire Australia and Brainmanager.io.
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.
By the existing "deviation IQ" definition of IQ test standard scores, about two-thirds of all test-takers obtain scores from 85 to 115, and about 5 percent of the population scores above 125 (i.e. normal distribution).
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.
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.
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%.
Matt Damon's IQ is widely reported as being very high, with many sources citing figures around 160, placing him in the genius category, though some reports mention figures like 143 or 150, with 160 being the most common estimate, despite him dropping out of Harvard. He demonstrated significant intelligence by writing the script for Good Will Hunting for a Harvard playwriting class.
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.
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.
In the early 2000s another large epidemiological study reported that an IQ < 70 was observed in only 50% of children with ASD (6), while a more recent epidemiological study (7) reported a further decline toward an amount of 31% of children with ASD, that were classified in the range of cognitive impairment (IQ < 70).
Approximate IQ range of 50 to 69 (in adults, mental age from 9 to under 12 years). Likely to result in some learning difficulties in school. As adults individuals will be able to work and maintain good social relationships and contribute to society.
Slowness learning to talk, or continued difficulties with speech and language skills after starting to talk. Difficulty with self-help and self-care skills (e.g., getting dressed, washing, and feeding themselves) Poor planning or problem-solving abilities. Behavioral and social problems.
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.
Rappers IQ's, Jay Z has an IQ of 148, Kendrick Lamar has an IQ of 129, Tupac Shakur IQ is 124, Lil Wayne IQ is 120, and last is Eminem with 110 IQ. Archived post.
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. In addition, his SAT scores were amazing. Even though he had a full scholarship to MIT, Woods dropped out to pursue acting.
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.