Is an IQ of 86 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand

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.

Cognitive Profile at IQ 86

At IQ 86, the low-average profile shows reliably solid verbal reasoning across technical and academic content, good fluid intelligence on structured and novel problems, and academic potential extending to 2-year and practical 4-year degree programs. Verbal comprehension handles extended technical and academic texts with reliable inferential and evaluative reasoning. Working memory holds 7–8 items with rehearsal. Processing speed is at the 26th–27th percentile. Fluid intelligence shows genuine problem-solving flexibility across a broad range of concrete and abstract problem types. Reading typically reaches 11th–12th grade level. Mathematical competence includes algebra, geometry, and statistical interpretation. Community college associate degrees are comfortably within reach and 4-year college in practical fields is achievable with consistent effort and good study habits. The step from IQ 85 to 86 is negligible — both represent equivalent practical cognitive profiles for virtually all daily and occupational purposes.

What Research Says About IQ 86

NLSY79 data show IQ 86 individuals achieving high school completion at 83%, community college enrollment at 47%, and 4-year college enrollment at 18%. Employment rates exceed 89% and median earnings approach 85% of the US median. Schmidt & Hunter (1998) estimate that at IQ 86, job performance in complex occupations — management, technical, semi-professional — is at or above average when relevant experience is controlled. Gottfredson (1997) documents that IQ 86 is within the range where all standard US workplace cognitive demands — including those for technical certification and associate degree programs — are comfortably accessible.

Day-to-Day Life with an IQ of 86

A person at IQ 86 works as a building inspector — reviewing construction plans, conducting on-site inspections against building code requirements, issuing violation notices, and testifying in hearings. They hold a state building inspector license and are working toward certification in electrical inspection. They own their home, manage household finances, drive, and are raising a family. They coach their daughter's soccer team and are active in local civic organizations. Reading at 11th–12th grade level covers all professional needs. They are regarded as a knowledgeable, fair inspector by contractors and building owners who work with them regularly.

How Does an IQ of 86 Compare?

Here's how a score of 86 compares to nearby IQ scores:

Careers That Suit an IQ of 86

People with an IQ around 86 are well-suited for the following career paths:

• Truck Driver — average IQ range: 90–105

See the full IQ by career chart for all professions.

Explore Other IQ Scores

Take our free IQ test to find out where you stand, or learn more about what IQ really measures.