Is an IQ of 117 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand
Classification
High Average
Percentile
87th
Rarity
1 in 8
High
What Does an IQ of 117 Mean?
An IQ of 117 is at the upper end of the high average range at the 87th percentile. Only about 13% of people score higher. You are approaching the superior range (120+) and likely experience consistent cognitive advantages in most settings. Complex professional and academic work is well within your capabilities.
An IQ of 117 places you at the 87th percentile, which means you scored higher than approximately 87% 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 8, 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 117
At 117, the most demanding career paths are accessible. This is within the range (115-125) that research associates with the most effective leaders. Graduate school and professional certifications are natural fits.
How Does an IQ of 117 Compare?
Here's how a score of 117 compares to nearby IQ scores:
| Score | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| IQ 102 | Average | 55th |
| IQ 103 | Average | 58th |
| IQ 104 | Average | 61st |
| IQ 105 | Average | 63rd |
| IQ 106 | Average | 66th |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 117 a good IQ score?
Yes, 117 is excellent at the 87th percentile. You're approaching the superior range and have a clear cognitive advantage in academic and professional settings.
Is 117 IQ enough for medical school?
It's on the lower end of the typical medical student range (120-130) but certainly possible with strong grades, MCAT scores, and dedication. Many successful physicians score in this range.
How does 117 compare to 120?
The 3-point gap is small — within testing error. Both 117 and 120 represent strong cognitive ability. The classificatory boundary (high average vs superior) is somewhat arbitrary.
Explore Other IQ Scores
Take our free IQ test to find out where you stand, or learn more about what IQ really measures.