Is an IQ of 116 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand
Classification
High Average
Percentile
86th
Rarity
1 in 7
High
What Does an IQ of 116 Mean?
An IQ of 116 is solidly high average at the 86th percentile. Only about 14% of people score higher. At this level, you have a consistent, meaningful cognitive advantage. Academic work comes more easily than for most, and you can handle complex professional demands with competence.
An IQ of 116 places you at the 86th percentile, which means you scored higher than approximately 86% of the general population on a standardized intelligence test. This score falls into the High Average range on the IQ scale. With a rarity of 1 in 7, 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 116
At 116, virtually all professional careers are accessible. Graduate school, demanding analytical roles, and leadership positions are all realistic. This is in the range where cognitive ability starts being a genuine career asset.
How Does an IQ of 116 Compare?
Here's how a score of 116 compares to nearby IQ scores:
| Score | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| IQ 101 | Average | 53rd |
| IQ 102 | Average | 55th |
| IQ 103 | Average | 58th |
| IQ 104 | Average | 61st |
| IQ 105 | Average | 63rd |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 116 a good IQ score?
Yes, 116 is very good at the 86th percentile — higher than about 86% of people. This is a consistent cognitive advantage for academic and professional settings.
What careers match 116 IQ?
Most professional careers: law, medicine, engineering, business, technology. The cognitive demands of demanding graduate programs are manageable at this level.
Is 116 close to superior?
Getting there — superior begins at 120. At 116, you're 4 points below the threshold. The gap is small and within testing variation.
Explore Other IQ Scores
Take our free IQ test to find out where you stand, or learn more about what IQ really measures.