What does an IQ of 118 mean?
Score, percentile, classification and what it means in practice
118 — Above Average · 88.5th %ile · 1 in 9
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An IQ of 118 is above average, placing you ahead of a majority of the population. This score range is associated with strong academic performance, the ability to handle complex tasks, and a solid capacity for reasoning. Most university graduates score in this range, and it is well-suited for demanding professional roles.
IQ 118 in the Population
IQ 118 > 88.5%
Cognitive Profile at IQ 118
Careers & IQ 118
IQ predicts academic performance and learning speed. People with an IQ around 118 often work in:
Career success depends on many factors beyond IQ: personality, skills, motivation, and opportunity.
How is IQ 118 measured?
IQ tests measure cognitive abilities including logical reasoning, pattern recognition, spatial thinking, and working memory. Scores are normalized so that 100 is exactly average for the population, with a standard deviation of 15. A score of 118 places you 1.2 standard deviations above the mean.
Is IQ fixed?
IQ is relatively stable in adulthood but not completely fixed. It can change by 5–10 points across tests. Childhood scores are less stable and can shift significantly with educational interventions. Factors like sleep deprivation, stress, and illness temporarily suppress IQ performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an IQ of 118 good?
An IQ of 118 is above average, placing you at the 88.5th percentile. You score higher than 88.5% of the population, which is a solid result.
What percentile is an IQ of 118?
An IQ of 118 corresponds to approximately the 88.5th percentile. This means you score higher than 88.5% of the general population on standardized IQ tests.
How rare is an IQ of 118?
An IQ of 118 occurs in approximately 1 in 9 of the population. IQ follows a normal distribution with mean 100 and standard deviation 15.
What jobs are associated with an IQ of 118?
Common careers for people with an IQ around 118 include: Teacher, Accountant, Nurse, IT professional. Career success depends on many factors beyond IQ, including skills, motivation, and emotional intelligence.
Can an IQ of 118 be improved?
IQ scores can fluctuate by 5–10 points based on testing conditions, education, and health. Long-term improvements come from sustained cognitive engagement: reading, complex problem solving, quality sleep, and physical exercise all support cognitive performance.
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