IQ demonstrates a person’s ability to reason and solve problems. It shows how well a person performs on a particular test compared to others in their age group. In this article, we will explain what is IQ and what’s the average IQ score in the UK by age, gender, profession and more. Meanwhile, we will talk about the different types of IQ tests to calculate the average IQ level in the UK. You’ll also understand how to improve IQ results.
Table of Contents
What is IQ?
Everyone, at some point, is curious to know what their IQ is. IQ, or intelligent quotient, is a numerical score derived from a collection of standardised tests or subtests created to assess human intelligence. So, what does IQ measure? It’s a test of intelligence that people are born with. Again, it’s the measure of a person’s ability to reason and solve problems compared to others of their age group. However, the average IQ varies depending on how advanced a country’s education system and economy is.
IQ society Mensa says intelligence is ‘often confused with knowledge, wisdom, memory’. Moreover, IQ scores are typically used to ‘assess a person’s mental agility’ rather than overall intelligence.
What Does an IQ Test Measure?
An IQ test can evaluate an adult’s cognitive capabilities through distinct index scales. The test involves:
Verbal Reasoning
Evaluates a person’s language handling, comprehension, concept formation, problem-solving, and communication through verbal means.
Perceptual Reasoning
Assesses the ability to identify visual details, spatial relationships, and patterns. It involves activities such as identifying differences between images and constructing geometric designs.
Working Memory
It reflects on a person’s ability to quickly process and manipulate visual or auditory information within a set time period. This helps evaluate people’s recall and manipulation abilities.
Processing Speed
It measures the time it takes for a person to understand and respond to new information information. Individuals are asked to complete specific tasks within the allocated time.
What is a Good IQ Score?
An IQ score greater than 116 is taken to be above average on the IQ scores scale. However, a person’s IQ is determined by several factors, such as genetic and environmental factors. Besides, IQ doesn’t necessarily correlate with a person’s potential and success rate. Although IQ tests are designed to assess intelligence, they cannot predict someone’s achievements in life. Therefore, many other factors should also be considered, such as social-emotional intelligence.
So, is 120 a good IQ score? 120 IQ score is mentioned as above average or bright on IQ scales. The avg IQ is set to 100, and the IQ score ranges vary. Approximately two-thirds of people have an IQ UK average score between 85 and 115. Again, a 70 IQ is considered borderline intelligence, and a 128 IQ is superior.
What is the Average IQ Score in the UK and How is IQ Measured?
What is the average IQ in the UK? According to “The Intelligence of Nations – 2019” by Richard Lynn and David Bec, the national average IQ UK is 99.12. This figure is based on a comprehensive analysis of various studies and measurements, including the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Revised (WISC-R), the Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM), and the Standard Progressive Matrices (SPM). The UK’s average IQ of 99.12 is the 20th highest in the world, placing the country among the top intelligent nations globally.
An IQ test measures the average England IQ. A person with an IQ below 70 is known as low, often indicating an intellectual problem. Again, anyone with an IQ of 140 or above is called a genius score. However, IQ is not the only way to measure intelligence. Although it can predict things like academic success, job perforation and career potential, it cannot guarantee life success. In many circumstances, individuals with high IQs struggle in life, whereas those with an average UK IQ score prosper. Moreover, there are many other ways to identify smart nations worldwide.
Average UK IQ Scores with an IQ standard Deviation
IQ tests are one of the most popular psychological tests in use today. In addition to understanding what the UK IQ average score entails, it’s important to know how is IQ measured. Different scoring systems are used by publishers. However, the mean score is set to 100 with an IQ standard deviation of 15 for many modern IQ tests so that scores are normally distributed.
Countries by IQ: What is the Average IQ by Country?
The avg IQ varies by country. For instance, the average IQ in Britain is not similar to the average IQ in the USA. Here’s the average IQ chart for different countries:
- Japan 106.48
- Taiwan 106.47
- Singapore 105.89
- Hong Kong 105.37
- China 104.1
- South Korea 102.35
- Belarus 101.6
- Finland 101.2
- Liechtenstein 101.07
- Germany 100.74
- United Kingdom 99.12
- United States 97.43
The IQ Chart: Average IQ by Age
The average UK IQ level changes with age. A person’s IQ remains stable throughout life when it’s constantly compared with others of similar age groups. However, a decreased average IQ score by age can be due to diminished physical abilities or other factors. Here’s a list of the average IQ UK by age:
What is the average IQ for a 12 year old?
IQ scores increase as children age. Twelve-year-olds usually have a higher IQ than younger age groups. The average IQ for a 12-year-old in the UK ranges between 40 and 65.
What is the average IQ for a 13 year old?
What is the average IQ in the UK for a 13 year old? The average IQ in the UK for a 13-year-old is similar to that of a 12 year old. The IQ test score ranges between 40 and 65.
What is the average IQ for a 14 year old?
So, what IQ should a 14 year old have? The average IQ in the UK for a 14-year-old ranges between 60 and 80.
What is the average IQ score range for a 15 year old in the UK?
What is the average IQ for 15 year old? The average IQ for a 15 year old in the UK ranges between 70 and 90.
What is the average average IQ for 16 year old females?
So, what is the average IQ for 16 year olds? The average IQ of a 16 year old in the UK ranges between 70 and 90.
What is the average IQ of a 17-year-old female?
The average IQ for a 17-year-old in the UK ranges between 80 and 100.
What is the average IQ for 18 year old female?
The average IQ UK for an 18-year-old female ranges between 80 and 100.
What is the average IQ of a 20-year-old?
The average IQ for 20 year olds is 99. So, what is the average IQ for a 22 year old male? Overall, the average IQ for 20–24 year olds is around 100.
What is the average IQ for 24 year old female?
The average IQ for a 24 year old female is 100. However, 25 to 34 year olds have a slightly lower average score of 97.
What is the average IQ for a 40 year old?
The average IQ score for people between 35 and 44 is 101. So, what is the average IQ score for a 45-year-old? Those between 45 and 54 have an average IQ score of 106.
What is the average IQ for a 55 year old?
The average IQ for 55 to 64 years old is 109.
What is the average IQ for a 65 year old?
65 to 69 years old have an average IQ score of 114.
What is the Average IQ Score range for a 70 year old?
Individuals between 70 and 74 years old have an even higher average score of 119.
IQ Test for Adults: Calculate Average IQ for Adults
WAIS-IV is the advanced measure of intelligence and cognitive ability in adults. The fourth edition of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV) represents the gold standard in measuring intelligence. It has the following score range:
- 130 and higher: Very Superior
- 120 to 129: Superior
- 110 to 119: High Average
- 90 to 109: Average
- 80 to 89: Low Average
- 70 to 79: Borderline
- 69 and below: Extremely Low
How to Calculate the Average IQ in England?
Earlier, the IQ test was calculated in two ways. One was by comparing a person’s mental age with chronological age and then multiplying the value by 100. For instance, if a person is 10 years old and has a mental age of 10, their IQ would be 100. The other method involves comparing IQ scores with those of a similar age.
Today, there are many IQ tests on the internet to determine whether you have a low or high IQ than average. Some of these are free. However, the better ones cost money.
Two of the most common tests are Stanford Binet tests and Cattell.
IQ Test UK: How to Find Out Your IQ?
What is the average IQ test?
Many IQ tests employ various equations to measure IQ. Some tests are designed exceptionally for children, while others can be to test the intelligence of adults. Each test is used for various purposes, such as
Examine educational placements before the test outcomes and diagnose any signs of intellectual disability or giftedness.
Evaluate employee potential
Check for cognitive function, memory, speed and attention
The most common IQ tests in use today include:
1. Stanford-Binet
Stanford Binet Test is one of the most popular IQ tests for diagnosing developmental disabilities and exceptionalities in children. Besides, it helps in clinical and neuropsychological assessments, psychoeducational evaluations for special education placements, early childhood assessments, etc. The Stanford-Binet intelligence test looks at five cognitive ability factors:
- Fluid reasoning
- Visual-spatial processing
- Quantitative reasoning
- Working memory
- Knowledge
The test is administered by psychologists and other professionals. The duration of the test is from 45 minutes to three hours. The time varies depending on the speed of the person taking the test. For instance, older children need to take more subtests, which increases the total duration of the test. Again, the test score is calculated, taking all five factors of the cognitive scale into account and the age of the test taker. The average score for the test is 100.
2. Raven’s Progressive Matrices
It’s another popular test for measuring IQ. The test is also known as Raven’s SPM and is non-verbal. The primary focus of this test is to identify a person’s problem-solving and observational skills and learning ability. What makes this test unique is that the test-taker receives a single raw score rather than different marks based on other subtests.
There are no set time limits for this test. Moreover, it can be taken by young children and adults. The test is administered by educational professionals and psychologists. It’s a multiple-choice test with the following objectives:
- Fluid intelligence
- Abstract reasoning
- Problem-solving
- Educational ability
3. Woodcock-Johnson Cognitive Ability Test
It’s one of the popular IQ tests which can be given to children of even 2 years old and up to individuals in their 90s. The test is used to make educational diagnoses for children. On top of that, this IQ testing in children helps in the measurement of different cognitive functions, such as:
- Academic achievement
- Scholastic aptitude
- Oral language
- Cognitive ability
It’s a multiple-choice test administered by psychologists, schools, and test centres. Moreover, the test includes Extended Battery and Standard Battery tests, which diagnose GIA (General Intellectual ability) and Brief Intellectual Ability. Different types of Woodcock Johnson score ranges are generated on exam completion. The Woodcock Johnson online scoring will rely on comparisons with people within the same age group, improvement levels and proficiency scores.
4. The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale
It’s a widely used psychological test to identify the average adult IQ. The primary focus of this test is to identify the cognitive performance and intelligence of an adult. The test is also performed to determine an adult person’s intellectual performance. WISC-IV is another version to assess intellectual functioning and academic potential in children. The WISC-IV score can range from 40 to 160.
The following are the core functions that the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale monitors:
- Processing speed index
- Perceptual reasoning index
- Working memory index
- Verbal comprehension index
5. Differential Ability Scales
This test is designed to identify children’s and adults’ various abilities and skills. It provides insights into a person’s strengths, weaknesses and cognitive abilities. Moreover, the test helps forecast future educational achievement. It also helps determine how children of the same age group retain information.
Here are examples of some of the subtests for the test:
- Object recall
- Digit recall
- Picture similarities
- Block-building
Although IQ tests are designed to assess intelligence, there may be certain problems with IQ tests. It’s vital to remember IQ test is only one way to measure intelligence. Sometimes, the results for the average IQ test uk may be invalid, and provide a flawed understanding of an individual’s potential
IQ Test Free Results: How Can I Take a Free IQ Test in the UK?
Many online platforms offer free IQ tests that can be taken online from anywhere. Websites such as Free-IQTest.net, Mensa UK’s online test, and 123Test.com provide free IQ assessments. Simply visit one of these sites, follow the instructions, and complete the test to get your average IQ results.
How to Improve IQ Test Scores?
Several factors influence average British IQ results. For instance, good parenting, home environment, education, availability of learning resources, nutrition and healthcare. However, there are a few things you can do to improve your average IQ test scores:
Practice
Practising can help you improve your IQ tests. By studying every day, you’ll learn more about the questions on the test. Therefore, you can improve your knowledge, become consistent over time, and get good scores. Different practice tests are available online to prepare for the test.
Work on your Weaknesses
If you have taken a test and identified your weaknesses, you can work on them to improve your scores. There are many courses available online that can help you develop your existing skills. However, the real key to improving your intelligence and confidence lies in continued learning. By consistently challenging yourself, you can push your boundaries and grow.
Learn a Foreign Language
Learning a second language makes you more intelligent. It strengthens your brain’s ability to focus. Again, understanding new vocabulary and grammar structures will improve cognitive abilities scale scores.
Read Frequently
Reading is a great way to fine-tune your brain. It’s proven to improve focus, attention span and memory. Overall, intelligence is linked to your cognitive abilities, and reading offers several benefits.
Memory Training
Working memory is the greatest component of intelligence. There are numerous brain training exercises you can engage in to sharpen your memory. Our Memory Increasing Tips course will take you through the various areas of memory improvement. You’ll find the techniques and strategies to boost your recall.
FAQ
What is a typical IQ on an IQ score scale?
On different intelligence quotient tests, 100 is considered the average IQ with a standard deviation of 15. Again, two-thirds or 68%, of IQ scores are within one standard deviation of the mean.
What is considered a high IQ?
Rory Bidwell, a 12-year-old boy, achieved the highest IQ in the UK for his age group. After passing the Cattell III B test with 162, he joined the ranks of Mensa. Although he knew nothing about how to prepare for the Mensa test, he found it relatively easy.
Genius level IQ: What is a genius IQ level on an IQ score scale?
People often talk about genius-level IQ. Although there is a debate among many psychologists, a broadly accepted threshold for genius-level IQ is anything above 140. Only 2% of the entire population can have an IQ this high.
Which country has the highest average human IQ?
Japan has the highest average IQ in the world, with an average IQ of 106.48.
What are the top 10 countries by IQ?
The top ten countries by IQ are Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Belarus, Finland, Liechtenstein and Germany.
Is there any difference between the average female IQ in the UK and the average male IQ?
According to a British survey, men, on average, have a relatively higher IQ than women. The average IQ of UK males is around 5 points higher than that of the average female IQ in the UK.
What is a normal IQ in the UK?
According to “The Intelligence of Nations – 2019” by Richard Lynn and David Bec, the normal human IQ score is 99.12. Overall, it’s considered to be the 20th highest average IQ worldwide.
What is the average IQ in the USA vs. the UK?
The average IQ in the UK is 99.12. The USA average IQ is 98. However, remember that IQ tests are designed to have an average score of 100. Therefore, a slight deviation is expected.
What is the average IQ by profession in the UK?
IQ scores vary with the profession. For instance, the average IQ of doctors in the UK, as well as physicians and surgeons, is around 125 or 130, while that of school teachers ranges between 121 and 123. Lawyers have an average IQ of 128, and the average IQ of accountants ranges between 119 and 128. The average IQ of nurses and pharmacists is 119 and 120, respectively.
How to prepare for a Mensa test?
To qualify for a mensa level IQ, individuals are required to score 132 on the Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale, while for the Cattell, it is 148. Again, it’s 130 in the Wisc IQ test.
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