What Percentage Has an IQ of 130? Top X% and How Rare It Is
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In brief: On a normal distribution with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15, an IQ of 130 is roughly the top 2.3%, about 1 in 44 people, and a deviation score of 70. This is a share under the statistical model, not a tally of actual test takers.
An IQ of 130 is often cited as a benchmark for being "gifted" (having high intellectual ability). So just how rare is an IQ of 130?
An IQ of 130 Is in the Top 2% or So
On a normal distribution with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15, an IQ of 130 sits +2 standard deviations above the mean. That corresponds to roughly the top 2.3%, or about 1 in 50 people.
Traits of People with an IQ of 130
They tend to excel at abstract pattern recognition and logical reasoning, but IQ captures only one facet of ability. Creativity, interpersonal skills, persistence, and other qualities are separate factors.
Check Out Related Scores Too
You can see what IQ 120 and IQ 140 look like on their respective reference pages. To start, try measuring your own score. For the reverse lookup, the IQ at which the top 1% or top 2% begins, see what IQ is the top 1%?.
Frequently asked questions
- What percentile is an IQ of 130?
- On a normal distribution with a mean of 100 and an SD of 15, it is roughly the top 2.3%, or about 2 to 3 people in 100.
- How rare is an IQ of 130?
- Under the same normal-distribution model, about 1 in 44 people. The estimate shifts with the population and the test's scale.
- What deviation score is an IQ of 130?
- Converted to a deviation score with a mean of 50 and an SD of 10, it is 70.
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Editorial note & disclaimer
BrainRank Editorial Team
This article was written and edited by the BrainRank Editorial Team with reference to academic literature on psychometrics, including CHC theory and Item Response Theory (IRT). Statistics and percentages are calculated from a normal distribution model with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15.
The tests on this site provide estimates for entertainment and self-understanding purposes only. They are not medical or clinical assessments, nor official psychological (intelligence) tests.