Is an IQ of 118 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand
Classification
High Average
Percentile
88th
Rarity
1 in 8
High
What Does an IQ of 118 Mean?
An IQ of 118 is near the top of the high average range, just 2 points below the superior classification at 120. At the 88th percentile, only about 12% of people score higher. This is the level where cognitive ability becomes a consistent, noticeable advantage in both academic and professional settings. You likely excel at standardized tests, grasp abstract concepts quickly, and feel comfortable with graduate-level academic work.
An IQ of 118 places you at the 88th percentile, which means you scored higher than approximately 88% 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 118
At 118, you have the cognitive foundation for any career, including demanding fields like medicine, law, and engineering. You are near the sweet spot (115-125) that research associates with effective leadership. Graduate school is a natural fit.
How Does an IQ of 118 Compare?
Here's how a score of 118 compares to nearby IQ scores:
| Score | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| IQ 103 | Average | 58th |
| IQ 104 | Average | 61st |
| IQ 105 | Average | 63rd |
| IQ 106 | Average | 66th |
| IQ 107 | Average | 68th |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 118 a good IQ score?
Yes, 118 is a very good score at the 88th percentile. You are near the top of the high average range, just below superior. This represents a strong cognitive advantage.
Is 118 close to gifted?
Not quite — gifted begins at 130. However, 118 is well above average and approaches the superior range (120+). The practical difference between 118 and 120 is negligible.
What careers match a 118 IQ?
Virtually any career. At 118, demanding professional fields like law, medicine, engineering, and finance are all accessible. The cognitive demands of most graduate programs are comfortably within your range.
Explore Other IQ Scores
Take our free IQ test to find out where you stand, or learn more about what IQ really measures.