Is an IQ of 142 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand
Classification
Genius-level
Percentile
99.7th
Rarity
1 in 333
High
What Does an IQ of 142 Mean?
An IQ of 142 is above the genius threshold, placing you at the 99.7th percentile. Only about 1 in 333 people reach this level. At 142, cognitive ability is markedly exceptional — you can process complex information with unusual speed, identify patterns at deep structural levels, and learn new domains rapidly. People at this level often describe a qualitatively different experience of thinking compared to the general population.
An IQ of 142 places you at the 99.7th percentile, which means you scored higher than approximately 99.7% of the general population on a standardized intelligence test. This score falls into the Genius-level range on the IQ scale. With a rarity of 1 in 333, 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 142
People with a 142 IQ are found in the most demanding intellectual roles: theoretical research, advanced mathematics, cutting-edge technology, and creative innovation. Many make original contributions to their fields. Finding adequately challenging work is often the primary career concern.
How Does an IQ of 142 Compare?
Here's how a score of 142 compares to nearby IQ scores:
| Score | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| IQ 128 | Superior | 97th |
| IQ 130 | Very Superior / Gifted | 98th |
| IQ 132 | Very Superior / Gifted | 98th |
| IQ 133 | Very Superior / Gifted | 98th |
| IQ 135 | Very Superior / Gifted | 99th |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 142 a good IQ score?
A 142 is extraordinary — genius-level at the 99.7th percentile. Only about 1 in 333 people score this high. It reflects cognitive ability that surpasses nearly the entire population.
What can you do with a 142 IQ?
Essentially anything that requires cognitive ability. At 142, no career is intellectually out of reach. The question becomes what sustains your interest and engagement rather than what you're capable of.
How does 142 compare to famous geniuses?
A 142 IQ is above the genius threshold but below estimates for history's most celebrated minds (Einstein ~160, Newton ~190). You share the genius classification but at a more 'accessible' level — still extraordinarily rare and capable.
Explore Other IQ Scores
Take our free IQ test to find out where you stand, or learn more about what IQ really measures.