Is an IQ of 147 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand
Classification
Very Gifted
Percentile
99.9th
Rarity
1 in 900
High
What Does an IQ of 147 Mean?
An IQ of 147 is profoundly gifted at the 99.9th percentile. Only about 1 in 900 people score this high. At this level, you are well beyond what standard IQ tests can reliably measure — specialized high-range tests are more appropriate. The cognitive distance between you and the average person is the same as the distance between the average person and someone with very low cognitive ability.
An IQ of 147 places you at the 99.9th percentile, which means you scored higher than approximately 99.9% of the general population on a standardized intelligence test. This score falls into the Very Gifted range on the IQ scale. With a rarity of 1 in 900, 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 147
People at 147 often make original contributions to their fields. Many become leading researchers, inventors, or thought leaders. Finding intellectual peers and adequately challenging work is often the primary concern.
How Does an IQ of 147 Compare?
Here's how a score of 147 compares to nearby IQ scores:
Nearby IQ Score Comparison
| Score | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| IQ 132 | Very Superior / Gifted | 98th |
| IQ 133 | Very Superior / Gifted | 98th |
| IQ 134 | Very Superior / Gifted | 99th |
| IQ 135 | Very Superior / Gifted | 99th |
| IQ 136 | Very Superior / Gifted | 99th |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 147 a good IQ score?
147 is exceptional at the 99.9th percentile. Only about 1 in 900 people reach this level. It represents cognitive ability at the extreme end of the measurable spectrum.
Can standard tests measure 147 IQ?
Barely. Standard IQ tests like the WAIS are normed for the general population and lose precision above 145-150. Specialized high-range tests are recommended for accurate measurement at this level.
What challenges come with 147 IQ?
Intellectual isolation, difficulty finding peers who think similarly, frustration with slower-paced environments, and sometimes overthinking or existential concerns. Many benefit from connecting with others at similar cognitive levels.
Explore Other IQ Scores
Take our free IQ test to find out where you stand, or learn more about what IQ really measures.