How rare is an IQ of 73?

Measurement error: the realistic range of an IQ of 73

IQ scores always carry measurement error: the same person can score a few points higher or lower on a different day. A result of 73 is therefore best read not as an exact value but as somewhere around IQ 68–78 (±5). Under the normal-distribution model (mean 100, SD 15), that range corresponds to roughly the top 98.36% to the top 92.88% of the population.

Does 5 points matter? IQ 68 / 73 / 78 compared

A 5-point gap is within the typical measurement error of an IQ test: two people 5 points apart could easily swap places on a retest. Small differences between nearby scores should not be over-interpreted.

Characteristics and tendencies of an IQ of 73

The following are general tendencies seen at this level; individual differences apply. IQ measures one aspect of thinking, such as fluid reasoning.

• •This is the Borderline range level. IQ measures only a small part of thinking, and strengths and weaknesses vary greatly between individuals.
• •Even on problem formats you find difficult, your score can change with practice and learning new strategies.

Relationship to Mensa

Mensa's admission criterion is "the top 2% (roughly IQ 130 or above)." An IQ of 73 does not reach this criterion. Actual membership requires taking an approved supervised test.

Note: Most celebrity IQ figures seen online are estimates from unreliable sources. This page does not publish individual IQ values that cannot be verified.

Frequently asked questions

What percentile is an IQ of 73?

An IQ of 73 corresponds to roughly the top 96.41%, or about 1 in 1 people.

Is an IQ of 73 high? Is it impressive?

It is at the Borderline range level (Bottom ~9%), placing it in roughly the top 96.41%. That said, IQ measures only a small part of thinking and does not determine a person's worth or success.

Can you join Mensa with an IQ of 73?

Mensa's admission criterion is "the top 2% (roughly IQ 130 or above)." An IQ of 73 does not reach the threshold (IQ 130).

What is the deviation score for an IQ of 73?

Converting IQ (mean 100, SD 15) to a deviation score gives about 32.

Common questions in the IQ 70–79 band

Does an IQ of 73 mean something is wrong?

No single unsupervised online score can answer that. An IQ around 73 on an informal test is only a rough estimate, and formal assessment always combines a supervised test with an evaluation of daily functioning by a qualified professional. If you have concerns, consult a specialist rather than relying on one number.

Can a score around 73 go up if I retake the test?

Yes, it can. Fatigue, unfamiliarity with the question format, and concentration on the day all push scores down. With rest and some familiarity with puzzle-style items, retest scores in this range often move by several points in either direction.

Should I compare an informal score of 73 to clinical cutoffs?

No. Clinical categories are defined for standardized, supervised tests administered by professionals. An informal online estimate of 73 is not a diagnosis and should not be mapped onto clinical labels.

Age and testing conditions

• •IQ is a deviation score relative to people of the same age: a score compares you with your own age group, so children's and adults' scores are not on the same footing.
• •Results from informal online tests, including the test on this site, are estimates. For medical or educational decisions, use a standardized test administered by a qualified professional.
• •Sleep deprivation, fatigue, and practice effects all move measured scores. Read any single result, high or low, with that in mind.

Related IQ scores

Recommended reading