Is an IQ of 89 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand
Classification
Low Average
Percentile
23rd
Rarity
1 in 4
Average
What Does an IQ of 89 Mean?
An IQ of 89 is at the very top of the low average range — one single point below average classification at 90. At the 23rd percentile, about 23% of people score at or below this level. The distinction between 89 (low average) and 90 (average) is purely classificatory and has zero practical significance. You are effectively average.
An IQ of 89 places you at the 23rd percentile, which means you scored higher than approximately 23% 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 4, 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 89
At 89, every career available to someone with a 90 or 95 IQ is equally accessible to you. The 1-point gap between classifications is meaningless. Focus on skills and interests, not labels.
How Does an IQ of 89 Compare?
Here's how a score of 89 compares to nearby IQ scores:
| Score | Classification | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| IQ 74 | Borderline | 4th |
| IQ 76 | Borderline | 5th |
| IQ 77 | Borderline | 6th |
| IQ 78 | Borderline | 7th |
| IQ 79 | Borderline | 8th |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 89 a good IQ score?
Yes, 89 is perfectly functional — one point from being classified as average. The distinction between 89 and 90 has no practical significance whatsoever.
Is 89 below average?
By 11 points technically, and classified as low average. But 89 is at the very top of low average, one point from the average range. In practice, 89 and 90 are identical.
What's the difference between 89 and 90 IQ?
Nothing meaningful. The 1-point gap crosses a classificatory boundary (low average to average) but represents zero difference in real-world cognitive ability. You could score 89 one day and 92 the next.
Explore Other IQ Scores
Take our free IQ test to find out where you stand, or learn more about what IQ really measures.