Is an IQ of 86 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand
Classification
Low Average
Percentile
18th
Rarity
1 in 6
Average
What Does an IQ of 86 Mean?
An IQ of 86 is in the low average range at the 18th percentile. You score higher than roughly 18% of people. At 86, you are just 14 points below average — a gap that's barely noticeable in daily life. People at this level read newspapers, manage bank accounts, follow current events, and navigate complex social situations without difficulty.
An IQ of 86 places you at the 18th percentile, which means you scored higher than approximately 18% 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 6, 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 86
At 86, virtually all blue-collar and many white-collar careers are accessible. Office administration, sales, supervisory roles, skilled trades, and service industry management are all realistic paths. Career success depends on domain expertise and interpersonal skills, not IQ points.
How Does an IQ of 86 Compare?
Here's how a score of 86 compares to nearby IQ scores:
| Score | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| IQ 72 | Borderline | 3rd |
| IQ 74 | Borderline | 4th |
| IQ 75 | Borderline | 5th |
| IQ 76 | Borderline | 5th |
| IQ 78 | Borderline | 7th |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 86 a good IQ score?
An IQ of 86 is low average at the 18th percentile. It is a completely functional score for daily life and most careers. The 14-point gap from 100 is smaller in practice than it sounds.
Can someone with an 86 IQ go to college?
Yes. Community colleges and many four-year programs are accessible at this level, particularly in practical fields. Study skills and motivation matter more than the 14-point difference from average.
How does 86 compare to 90?
The 4-point gap between 86 and 90 crosses from low average to average classification, but functionally the difference is negligible. Both support independent living and most career paths.
Explore Other IQ Scores
Take our free IQ test to find out where you stand, or learn more about what IQ really measures.