Is an IQ of 74 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand

What Does an IQ of 74 Mean?

An IQ of 74 is in the borderline range at the 4th percentile. About 1 in 25 people score at or below this level. People at 74 can manage daily tasks, hold jobs, and live independently in many cases. The borderline range represents a transition zone — individuals may benefit from extra support but typically do not qualify for disability services.

An IQ of 74 places you at the 4th percentile, which means you scored higher than approximately 4% of the general population on a standardized intelligence test. This score falls into the Borderline range on the IQ scale. With a rarity of 1 in 25, this score is less common, but IQ is just one measure of cognitive ability.

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 74

Many structured careers are accessible: food service, retail, landscaping, custodial work, and warehouse positions. On-the-job training and hands-on learning approaches work best. Reliability and work ethic matter more than test scores.

How Does an IQ of 74 Compare?

Here's how a score of 74 compares to nearby IQ scores:

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