Is an IQ of 87 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand

What Does an IQ of 87 Mean?

An IQ of 87 is in the low average range at the 19th percentile. About 1 in 5 people score at or below this level. The 13-point gap from 100 is relatively small in daily life — people at 87 handle finances, follow news, navigate relationships, and manage work responsibilities effectively. This is a common, functional score.

An IQ of 87 places you at the 19th percentile, which means you scored higher than approximately 19% 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 5, 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 87

Most blue-collar and many white-collar careers are accessible at 87. Sales, office work, supervisory roles, skilled trades, and service industry positions are all realistic. At this level, practical skills and interpersonal abilities drive career success more than cognitive test scores.

Cognitive Profile at IQ 87

IQ 87 represents solidly low-average functioning approaching the average classification threshold. Verbal reasoning handles complex technical and academic texts with reliable inferential and evaluative reasoning across diverse domains. Working memory holds 7–8 items with rehearsal. Processing speed is at the 28th–29th percentile. Fluid intelligence shows genuine problem-solving flexibility across a broad range of concrete and abstract problem types, with solid transfer across moderately dissimilar problem structures. Reading typically reaches 11th–12th grade level. Mathematical competence includes algebra, geometry, statistical reasoning, and introductory pre-calculus concepts. Community college associate degrees are comfortably accessible and 4-year college in practical and moderately technical fields is achievable with consistent effort. The cognitive profile at 87 overlaps substantially with IQ 90 in all practical domains — the 3-point gap falls well within measurement error and carries no real-world significance.

What Research Says About IQ 87

NLSY79 data show IQ 87 individuals achieving high school completion at 84%, community college enrollment at 49%, and 4-year college enrollment at 20%. Employment rates exceed 90% and median earnings approach 87% of the US median. Research by Ceci (1991, Intelligence) documents that schooling itself raises IQ scores by approximately 1–5 points per year of additional education — meaning many adults scoring 87 would have scored lower had they received less education, reflecting the bi-directional relationship between IQ and educational attainment. Schmidt & Hunter (1998) find that at IQ 87, job training success for complex occupations reaches above-average levels.

Day-to-Day Life with an IQ of 87

A person at IQ 87 works as an air traffic control assistant — monitoring radar screens, issuing clearances for ground movement, coordinating with tower controllers, and maintaining communication logs. They completed an FAA training program and hold relevant certification. They own their home, manage household finances, and are active in their community. They are studying for a full ATC certification upgrade. Reading at 11th–12th grade level covers all professional and personal needs — they read technical manuals, regulatory updates, and aviation publications. They are regarded as a competent, attentive professional by their supervisors and fellow controllers.

How Does an IQ of 87 Compare?

Here's how a score of 87 compares to nearby IQ scores:

Careers That Suit an IQ of 87

People with an IQ around 87 are well-suited for the following career paths:

• Dental Assistant — average IQ range: 92–105
• 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.