Is an IQ of 142 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand
Classification
Genius-level
Percentile
99.7th
Rarity
1 in 340
High
What Does an IQ of 142 Mean?
An IQ of 142 is solidly in the genius range at the 99.7th percentile. Only about 1 in 340 people score this high. At this level, complex analytical problems that challenge most people may feel approachable or even intuitive. You process information substantially faster than nearly everyone around you, see connections that others miss, and can hold large amounts of information in working memory simultaneously. The cognitive gap between 142 and the average of 100 is enormous in practical terms.
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 340, 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 at 142 are equipped for the most demanding intellectual work available — theoretical research, advanced mathematics, high-stakes legal or medical specialties, technology innovation, and creative work at the highest levels. The challenge is rarely ability; it is finding work stimulating enough to sustain engagement and finding peers who match the pace of your thinking.
How Does an IQ of 142 Compare?
Here's how a score of 142 compares to nearby IQ scores:
Nearby IQ Score Comparison
| Score | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| IQ 127 | Superior | 96th |
| IQ 128 | Superior | 97th |
| IQ 129 | Superior | 97th |
| IQ 130 | Very Superior / Gifted | 98th |
| IQ 131 | Very Superior / Gifted | 98th |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 142 a good IQ score?
142 is extraordinary — genius range at the 99.7th percentile. Only about 1 in 340 people score this high. It represents cognitive ability far beyond the vast majority of the population, comfortably above the 140 genius threshold.
Is 142 IQ considered genius?
Yes. The widely cited genius threshold is 140, and a 142 exceeds it. At this level, you are in the top 0.3% of the population. The real-world difference between 140, 141, and 142 is negligible — all represent the same exceptional tier of cognitive ability.
How rare is a 142 IQ?
About 1 in 340 people. In a city of 1 million, roughly 2,900 people would score at this level. It is rare enough that finding intellectual peers in everyday settings can be challenging.
Explore Other IQ Scores
Take our free IQ test to find out where you stand, or learn more about what IQ really measures.