Is an IQ of 124 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand
Classification
Superior
Percentile
95th
Rarity
1 in 18
High
What Does an IQ of 124 Mean?
An IQ of 124 is in the superior range at the 95th percentile — only about 5% of people score higher. You are solidly in the 'smart' category by any definition. Academic work comes naturally, you handle abstract reasoning with ease, and you have strong analytical capabilities. Research suggests this range (120-125) may be optimal for leadership effectiveness.
An IQ of 124 places you at the 95th percentile, which means you scored higher than approximately 95% of the general population on a standardized intelligence test. This score falls into the Superior range on the IQ scale. With a rarity of 1 in 18, this score is uncommon and indicates strong cognitive abilities.
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 124
At 124, the most demanding intellectual careers are fully accessible: law, medicine, engineering, research, and executive leadership. The key differentiator at this level is no longer cognitive ability but passion, specialization, and interpersonal skills.
How Does an IQ of 124 Compare?
Here's how a score of 124 compares to nearby IQ scores:
| Score | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| IQ 109 | Average | 73rd |
| IQ 110 | High Average | 75th |
| IQ 111 | High Average | 77th |
| IQ 112 | High Average | 79th |
| IQ 113 | High Average | 81st |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 124 a good IQ score?
Yes, 124 is excellent — superior range at the 95th percentile. You score higher than about 95% of people. This is a strong cognitive advantage for any academic or professional pursuit.
Is 124 close to gifted?
Getting there — gifted begins at 130. A 124 is 6 points below the threshold. While not yet gifted by formal definitions, 124 represents very strong intellectual ability that exceeds the vast majority of people.
What is the best IQ for leadership?
Research suggests 115-125 is optimal for leadership. Leaders in this range can handle complexity while still communicating naturally with their teams. At 124, you're right in this sweet spot.
Explore Other IQ Scores
Take our free IQ test to find out where you stand, or learn more about what IQ really measures.