Is an IQ of 83 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand

What Does an IQ of 83 Mean?

An IQ of 83 is in the low average range at the 13th percentile. About 1 in 8 people score at or below this level. People at 83 handle daily tasks independently — managing money, following instructions, maintaining relationships. The 17-point gap from 100 sounds large but in practice the functional differences are modest.

An IQ of 83 places you at the 13th percentile, which means you scored higher than approximately 13% of the general population on a standardized intelligence test. This score falls into the Low Average range on the IQ scale. With a rarity of 1 in 8, 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 83

Many practical careers are accessible: skilled trades, retail, food service, transportation, manufacturing, and healthcare support. Practical skills, reliability, and people skills drive career success at this level.

How Does an IQ of 83 Compare?

Here's how a score of 83 compares to nearby IQ scores:

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