Is an IQ of 104 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand

What Does an IQ of 104 Mean?

An IQ of 104 is just 4 points above average — essentially the same as 100 for all practical purposes. At the 61st percentile, you score higher than about 61% of people. This is firmly in the middle of the normal range. The distinction between 104 and 100 is statistically insignificant and would never be noticeable in any real-world context.

An IQ of 104 places you at the 61st percentile, which means you scored higher than approximately 61% of the general population on a standardized intelligence test. This score falls into the Average range on the IQ scale. With a rarity of Common, this score is within the range where most people score.

To understand how IQ scores are calculated and what they measure, see our complete guide on what IQ is and how it works. For a full breakdown of all score ranges and their meanings, visit our IQ score ranges page.

Career Context for an IQ of 104

At 104, career success depends entirely on your skills, interests, and effort — not on IQ. You are in the range where the vast majority of working professionals fall. Every career path is accessible.

Cognitive Profile at IQ 104

At IQ 104, the profile is approaching the above-average threshold where cognitive advantages in verbal reasoning and fluid intelligence begin to translate into more systematic advantages in demanding academic and professional contexts. Verbal reasoning handles complex academic and professional texts across all domains with reliable analytical and evaluative reasoning. Working memory holds 9 items with rehearsal. Processing speed is at the 55th–56th percentile. Fluid intelligence shows genuine reliable novel problem-solving across a wide range of abstract problem types. Reading at college level enables confident engagement with academic and professional literature across all disciplines. Mathematical competence includes all undergraduate quantitative content. Competitive graduate programs become more accessible as IQ moves above 104 — not because the cognitive demands change discontinuously, but because the consistent advantage in learning rate and abstract reasoning begins to accumulate across years of study.

What Research Says About IQ 104

NLSY79 data document that IQ 104 individuals achieve 4-year college enrollment at 58% and bachelor's degree completion at approximately 50%. Employment rates exceed 98% and median earnings are approximately 3–4% above the US median. Research by Lubinski et al. (2006) found that IQ 104 individuals who participated in academic acceleration programs showed occupational achievement outcomes at age 35 comparable to peers scoring 10–15 points higher but who did not receive acceleration — suggesting that enriched educational environments can substantially leverage cognitive ability within the normal range.

Day-to-Day Life with an IQ of 104

A person at IQ 104 works as a PhD-level clinical psychologist — conducting psychological assessments, providing evidence-based psychotherapy, supervising practicum students, publishing clinical case research, and serving on a hospital ethics committee. They completed a doctoral program with a 3.6 GPA and a well-received dissertation on treatment outcomes in anxiety disorders. They own their home, manage complex finances, and are active in professional psychology organizations. They are regarded as a skilled researcher and clinician by colleagues and patients. Their IQ score is irrelevant to their professional identity and performance.

How Does an IQ of 104 Compare?

Here's how a score of 104 compares to nearby IQ scores:

Famous People with an IQ Around 104

The following well-known figures have estimated IQ scores close to 104:

• Adam Sandler — SNL comedian, consistent box office performer, Uncut Gems dramatic revelation (estimated IQ: 108)
• Travis Kelce — NFL tight end, 3x Super Bowl champion, media personality (estimated IQ: 100–112)
• Simone Biles — Greatest gymnast of all time, 37 Olympic/World medals (estimated IQ: 100–115)
• Usain Bolt — Fastest human ever, 8 Olympic gold medals (estimated IQ: 100–112)
• Canelo Alvarez — Undisputed super middleweight boxing champion, pound-for-pound elite (estimated IQ: 108)

Careers That Suit an IQ of 104

People with an IQ around 104 are well-suited for the following career paths:

• Social Worker — average IQ range: 100–115
• Pilot — average IQ range: 105–120
• Graphic Designer — average IQ range: 100–115
• Chef — average IQ range: 95–110
• Real Estate Agent — average IQ range: 98–112

See the full IQ by career chart for all professions.

Explore Other IQ Scores

Take our free IQ test to find out where you stand, or learn more about what IQ really measures.