Is an IQ of 120 Good? What It Means and How Rare It Is

One of the most common questions after an IQ test is whether a specific number is good. An IQ of 120 is a strong, above-average result — here is exactly where it lands and what it means.

Quick answer: An IQ of 120 is in the "superior" range and falls at roughly the 91st percentile, meaning you scored higher than about 9 in 10 people your age.

Where 120 Falls on the Bell Curve

IQ follows a bell curve centered on 100, with 15 points per standard deviation. Here is how 120 compares to nearby scores:

IQ score	Percentile (approx.)	Common label
100	50th	Average
110	75th	High average
115	84th	High average
120	91st	Superior
130	98th	Very superior
140	99.6th	Exceptionally high

How Rare Is an IQ of 120?

About 9% of people score 120 or higher — roughly 1 in 11. It is a strong score, meaningfully above the norm without being extraordinarily rare.

What a 120 Does — and Does Not — Predict

A higher IQ correlates modestly with academic and job performance, but it is not destiny. Motivation, effort, specific skills, and circumstances matter enormously, and a single number cannot capture creativity, emotional intelligence, or practical judgment.

How to Find Your Score

IQ Test Center's free IQ test gives an estimated score with your percentile for your age. For the full picture of every band, see IQ score ranges explained and what is a good IQ score?