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IQ (Intelligence Quotient) is a measure of cognitive ability compared to the average population.
IQ tests are designed to have a mean score of 100 with a standard deviation of 15. This means that roughly 68% of people score between 85 and 115.
The concept of IQ is age-adjusted, which means the average IQ of any age group is approximately 100.
However, the way intelligence manifests at different ages can vary significantly.ย
Key Takeaways
Average IQ Scores by Age Group
Age
Average IQ
Cognitive Characteristics
Typical Range
Remarks
3
90-110
Basic problem-solving, pattern recognition, and vocabulary development
85-115
Early language skills and simple reasoning
4
90-110
Improved language, basic memory skills, and the ability to follow simple instructions
85-115
Increased curiosity and basic question-asking
5
90-110
Enhanced verbal skills, basic arithmetic, and storytelling
85-115
Improved attention span
6
95-110
Developing reading and writing abilities, basic mathematical reasoning
85-115
Beginning to understand abstract concepts
7
95-110
Improved logical reasoning and memory retention
85-115
Can follow multi-step instructions
8
95-110
Enhanced comprehension and ability to understand cause and effect
85-115
Growing capability to make independent decisions
9
95-110
Better problem-solving and more complex thought processes
85-115
Can grasp simple abstract concepts
10
100
Advanced reading, comprehension, and logical thinking
85-115
Developing analytical reasoning
11
100
Critical thinking skills start to emerge, more complex problem-solving
85-115
Abstract thinking becomes more common
12
100
Cognitive skills balance out, logical reasoning becomes more sophisticated
85-115
Preparing for higher-order thinking in teens
13
100
Increased abstract thinking and analytical skills, better problem-solving abilities
85-115
Starting to understand complex social dynamics
14
100
Enhanced analytical reasoning, critical thinking, and more mature thought processes
85-115
Deeper understanding of complex subjects
15
100-105
Higher reasoning ability, strong mathematical and logical thinking
90-110
More consistent intellectual maturity
16
100-110
Advanced abstract reasoning and analytical skills
90-115
Capable of making well-reasoned arguments
17
100-110
Mature thought processes, critical analysis of complex ideas
90-115
Solid comprehension of abstract concepts
18+
100-115
Full cognitive maturity, enhanced problem-solving, logical reasoning, and analytical thinking
90-120
Stable IQ, influenced by education and experience
25+
100-115
Intellectual stability, more specialized knowledge and reasoning abilities
90-120
Influenced by career and continuous learning
35+
100-115
Mature intellect with refined problem-solving and expertise in specific areas
90-120
Experience and practice play major roles
50+
100-110
Stable cognitive abilities, but minor declines in processing speed
90-115
Wisdom and experience compensate for a slower speed
65+
90-110
Slight cognitive decline, especially in processing speed and memory
85-110
Retained knowledge remains strong
80+
85-105
Noticeable decline in processing speed and memory retention
80-110
Experience and life knowledge remain invaluable
The average IQ for a 12-year-old is around 100. This means that most 12-year-olds will have an IQ score somewhere around this number, according to WuKong education.
Some might have a bit higher, and some might have a bit lower, but thatโs completely normal.
Why Do Some Kids Have Higher or Lower IQs?
There are a few reasons why IQ scores can vary between kids:
IQ and Cognitive Development
The brain undergoes significant changes throughout different stages of life, affecting how IQ is expressed and measured.
Early Childhood (3-6 years)
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During early childhood, the brain is rapidly developing, and IQ reflects basic problem-solving and language acquisition according to NCBI.
Kids at this age are building foundational skills like recognizing patterns, using simple reasoning, and expanding their vocabulary through play and interaction.
Middle Childhood (7-12 years)
ย Cognitive abilities become more advanced during this period, with logical reasoning and problem-solving becoming more refined.
Children start to grasp more abstract concepts, improve memory retention, and develop stronger analytical thinking, especially in subjects like math and reading.
Adolescence (13-18 years)
ย The brain matures significantly, enhancing abstract thinking and critical reasoning.
Teenagers become capable of complex problem-solving and are more skilled at analyzing ideas and forming independent judgments.
Emotional and social intelligence also develop as they learn to navigate social interactions and peer relationships.
Adulthood (18+ years)
ย In adulthood, cognitive abilities stabilize, with intellectual skills becoming consistent and specialized as noted by PubMed.
People often focus on areas of expertise and develop problem-solving techniques suited to their careers or life choices.
Reasoning and decision-making are typically mature and efficient.
Senior Years (65+ years)
“For many people, 70 really may be the new 60,” said @ColumbiaAging‘s John Beard, author of a study on age-related declines in older adults. Researchers found large improvements in cognition, movement, and psychological and sensory capacities. https://t.co/zHqIIeVBjn #aging pic.twitter.com/peAFo9KpfR
โ ColumbiaPublicHealth (@ColumbiaMSPH) December 19, 2024
Cognitive functions may decline slightly, particularly processing speed and memory.
However, accumulated knowledge and experience often compensate, allowing seniors to make sound judgments and draw on wisdom developed over a lifetime.
Real-Life Applications of IQ Scores
IQ scores are used to identify individual cognitive strengths and weaknesses, often guiding educational placement for gifted or special needs students.
They are also used in career guidance, where certain jobs may require advanced reasoning skills.
Additionally, IQ tests inform cognitive development programs, helping educators and specialists design targeted learning strategies to support various intellectual needs.
Average IQ and Academic Performance by Country
Country
Average IQ
Education IQ
Education Quality
Grade
Education Index
China
107
104
T
B
47.3
Taiwan
107
106
T
B
45.7
Hong Kong
107
105
T
B+
51.2
Macau
107
99.8
E
ย
ย
South Korea
106
102
T
A-
56.4
Japan
106
106
T
A-
58.9
Iran
106
80
T
C-
25.5
Singapore
105
106
T
A
63.6
Russia
103
96.3
T
B
46.6
Mongolia
103
91
T
C-
27.4
What is the Average American IQ?
@geopeoo2 #map #geography #usa๐บ๐ธ โฌ original sound – GeoPeo
The average IQ in the United States is 97.43, according to the World Population Review of 2025. This places the U.S. in 29th position globally, just behind Belgium and ahead of Norway.
Itโs essential to understand that IQ scores are calculated based on a standard distribution, with the average set at 100. An IQ of 99.70 is slightly below this global average, but it still falls well within the “average” range (85-115) for most individuals.
The country with the highest average IQ scores in the world, according to a 2019 study, is Japan, closely followed by Taiwan and Singapore. They are expected to maintain this status through 2023.
