Is an IQ of 78 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand
Classification
Borderline
Percentile
7th
Rarity
1 in 14
Below Average
What Does an IQ of 78 Mean?
An IQ of 78 is in the borderline range, just below the low average threshold of 80. About 7% of the population scores at or below this point. People at this level can manage most aspects of daily life independently and are capable of learning practical skills effectively. The gap between 78 and the average of 100 is smaller in real-world impact than most people assume — many successful workers, parents, and community members have IQ scores in this range.
An IQ of 78 places you at the 7th percentile, which means you scored higher than approximately 7% 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 14, 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 78
People with an IQ of 78 succeed in many careers that emphasize practical skills and hands-on learning. Retail, food service, warehousing, landscaping, janitorial work, and entry-level manufacturing are all accessible paths. With experience and on-the-job training, many advance to supervisory positions where their practical knowledge is valued.
How Does an IQ of 78 Compare?
Here's how a score of 78 compares to nearby IQ scores:
| Score | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| IQ 65 | Extremely Low | 1st |
| IQ 68 | Extremely Low | 2nd |
| IQ 70 | Borderline | 2nd |
| IQ 72 | Borderline | 3rd |
| IQ 74 | Borderline | 4th |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 78 a good IQ score?
An IQ of 78 is in the borderline range at the 7th percentile. While below average, it is fully functional for daily life. About 1 in 14 people score at or below this level, making it more common than many realize.
Can someone with a 78 IQ hold a job?
Absolutely. Most people with an IQ of 78 work regular jobs and manage their daily lives independently. Practical skills, reliability, and work ethic are valued by employers regardless of IQ scores.
Is 78 IQ considered a disability?
No. The threshold for intellectual disability is typically IQ 70 or below with significant adaptive limitations. An IQ of 78 is in the borderline range but above the disability threshold. People at this level generally function independently.
Explore Other IQ Scores
Take our free IQ test to find out where you stand, or learn more about what IQ really measures.