How rare is an IQ of 74?
An IQ of 74 is at the Borderline range level (Bottom ~9%). IQ follows a normal distribution with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15, and an IQ of 74 sits as follows.
Deviation score
32.7
Top
95.85%
Rarity
1 in 1
z-score
-1.73
Position in the IQ distribution (mean 100, SD 15)
Measurement error: the realistic range of an IQ of 74
IQ scores always carry measurement error: the same person can score a few points higher or lower on a different day. A result of 74 is therefore best read not as an exact value but as somewhere around IQ 69–79 (±5). Under the normal-distribution model (mean 100, SD 15), that range corresponds to roughly the top 98.06% to the top 91.92% of the population.
Does 5 points matter? IQ 69 / 74 / 79 compared
| IQ | Top % | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| IQ69 | 98.06% | 1 in 1 |
| IQ74this page | 95.85% | 1 in 1 |
| IQ79 | 91.92% | 1 in 1 |
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 74
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 74 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.
What's your IQ?
A free 20-question test takes about 10 minutes and gives you your estimated IQ, deviation score, and national ranking.
Measure your IQ for free →Frequently asked questions
- What percentile is an IQ of 74?
- An IQ of 74 corresponds to roughly the top 95.85%, or about 1 in 1 people.
- Is an IQ of 74 high? Is it impressive?
- It is at the Borderline range level (Bottom ~9%), placing it in roughly the top 95.85%. 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 74?
- Mensa's admission criterion is "the top 2% (roughly IQ 130 or above)." An IQ of 74 does not reach the threshold (IQ 130).
- What is the deviation score for an IQ of 74?
- Converting IQ (mean 100, SD 15) to a deviation score gives about 32.7.
Common questions in the IQ 70–79 band
- Does an IQ of 74 mean something is wrong?
- No single unsupervised online score can answer that. An IQ around 74 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 74 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 74 to clinical cutoffs?
- No. Clinical categories are defined for standardized, supervised tests administered by professionals. An informal online estimate of 74 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.