Is an IQ of 89 Good? What It Means & Where You Stand

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.

Cognitive Profile at IQ 89

IQ 89 sits one point from the average classification threshold of 90, a boundary that is entirely artificial — the cognitive profiles at 89 and 90 are identical. At IQ 89, verbal reasoning handles complex 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 30th–31st 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, statistics, and pre-calculus. 4-year college in a range of fields is accessible with consistent effort. The practical cognitive profile at IQ 89 is functionally equivalent to IQ 92 in virtually every real-world context — the 3-point gap falls within test measurement error for any standard IQ instrument.

What Research Says About IQ 89

NLSY79 data show IQ 89 individuals achieving high school completion at 86%, 4-year college enrollment at 25%, and bachelor's degree completion at approximately 14%. Employment rates exceed 92% and median earnings are approximately 91% of the US median. Schmidt & Hunter (1998) estimate that at IQ 89, job performance in complex occupations exceeds average when relevant experience is controlled. Research by Sackett & Ostgaard (1994, Journal of Applied Psychology) found that at IQ 89, supervisory ratings of job performance overlap substantially with ratings for IQ 100 workers when job tenure and experience are held constant.

Day-to-Day Life with an IQ of 89

A person at IQ 89 works as a social worker — conducting client assessments, developing individualized service plans, coordinating with multi-agency teams, managing a caseload of 35 families, and appearing in court proceedings. They completed a bachelor's degree in social work with a 3.1 GPA. They own their home, manage household finances, and are active in professional development. They are regarded by supervisors as a skilled, empathetic practitioner. They are considering a master's degree in social work. Reading at 11th–12th grade level covers all professional needs — they read policy documents, research summaries, and legal guidelines daily.

How Does an IQ of 89 Compare?

Here's how a score of 89 compares to nearby IQ scores:

Careers That Suit an IQ of 89

People with an IQ around 89 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.