EQ Score 113: What It Means and How It Compares to an IQ of 113
An EQ score of 113 is above average. On professional emotional intelligence tests that use standard scores with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15 (such as the EQ-i 2.0 and MSCEIT), 113 is about the 81st percentile, just above the 90–109 average band. Note that EQ and IQ measure different things: an EQ of 113 says nothing about your IQ, and vice versa.
What Does an EQ Score of 113 Mean?
What "113" means depends on which emotional intelligence test produced it:
| Type of EQ test | How it is scored | What 113 means |
|---|---|---|
| Professional standardized tests (e.g. EQ-i 2.0, MSCEIT) | Standard scores, mean 100, SD 15 | Above average; about the 81st percentile (higher than roughly 81% of the norm group) |
| Online quizzes and self-scored questionnaires | Often a raw total (for example out of 150 or 200) with the site's own bands | Can't be compared across tests; check that quiz's own score ranges |
On standard-score EQ tests, a 113 suggests that, compared with the norm group, you report or show above-average skill in areas such as recognizing your own emotions, managing them under pressure, understanding other people and handling relationships. Self-report EQ tests (like the EQ-i 2.0) measure how you see yourself, so results are best discussed with a qualified coach or psychologist and combined with feedback from others.
EQ 113 vs IQ 113
| IQ score 113 | EQ score 113 (standard-scored test) | |
|---|---|---|
| Measures | Reasoning, problem-solving, verbal and visual-spatial ability, working memory, processing speed | Perceiving, understanding and managing emotions in yourself and others |
| Scale | Mean 100, SD 15 | Mean 100, SD 15 on tests like the EQ-i 2.0 and MSCEIT |
| Percentile | About 81st | About 81st |
| Label | High Average (110–119) | Above average |
| Typical test format | Timed tasks given by a psychologist | Self-report questionnaire or ability tasks |
If your 113 is an IQ score, read Is 113 IQ good? for percentiles and classifications, or what a 113 IQ means in practice for school and work.
A quick reminder about IQ 113
An IQ of 113 is in the High Average range (110–119): higher than about 81% of people. It doesn't measure creativity, practical intelligence, motivation or emotional intelligence, which is why EQ is often discussed alongside it.
Emotional Intelligence: The Other Half of the Equation
While IQ measures cognitive abilities, emotional intelligence (EQ or EI) measures a different but equally important set of capabilities:
What is Emotional Intelligence?
Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and effectively express one's own emotions, as well as recognize and influence the emotions of others. The concept was popularized by psychologist Daniel Goleman and includes five key components:
Self-Awareness
The ability to recognize and understand your own emotions, strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals, and recognize their impact on others.
Self-Regulation
The ability to control impulsive feelings and behaviors, manage emotions in healthy ways, adapt to changing circumstances, and take initiative.
Motivation
Internal drive to achieve goals for personal satisfaction and fulfillment rather than for external rewards like money or status.
Empathy
The ability to understand the emotions, needs, and concerns of other people, pick up on emotional cues, and feel comfortable in social settings.
Social Skills
Managing relationships, inspiring and influencing others, communicating clearly, working well in a team, and managing conflict effectively.
Assess Your Emotional Intelligence
Take this brief self-assessment to get a general idea of your emotional intelligence. Rate yourself on a scale of 1-5 for each statement (1 = strongly disagree, 5 = strongly agree):
Note: This is a simplified assessment and not a validated psychological test. For a comprehensive evaluation, consider professional assessment tools.
IQ vs. EQ: Comparative Importance and Life Outcomes
There is long-running debate about whether IQ or EQ matters more. Both matter, in different areas, and popular claims that EQ "beats" IQ are often overstated:
Areas Where IQ Matters More
- Academic Performance: IQ is one of the strongest single predictors of grades and educational attainment
- Technical Proficiency: Higher cognitive ability correlates with better performance in technically complex roles
- Theoretical Innovation: Complex scientific or mathematical breakthroughs often require high cognitive abilities
- Problem Complexity: More demanding cognitive problems require higher IQ to solve effectively
- Learning Speed: Higher IQ generally correlates with faster acquisition of new information and skills
Areas Where EQ Matters More
- Leadership: Handling people, conflict and feedback relies heavily on emotional skills
- Relationships: Empathy and emotional regulation shape how well relationships go
- Teamwork: Cooperation, trust and handling disagreement depend on reading and managing emotions
- Adaptability to Change: EQ helps navigate the emotional aspects of transitions and uncertainty
- Well-being: Managing stress and difficult emotions is closely tied to how people feel day to day
What the Evidence Suggests
1. IQ and EQ Are Largely Separate
Scores on IQ tests and emotional intelligence tests are only weakly to moderately related, so knowing someone's IQ tells you little about their EQ. A person can have an IQ of 113 and a low, average or high EQ.
2. Context Decides Which Matters More
General mental ability is a well-established predictor of learning and job performance, especially in complex roles. Emotional skills become more visible in roles built around people: leading, selling, caring, teaching and negotiating.
3. Beware of Famous-Sounding Statistics
Widely shared figures such as "85% of success comes from EQ" do not come from solid research. Treat precise percentages about IQ versus EQ with caution.
4. Developing Both Is the Practical Answer
Cognitive ability is fairly stable in adulthood, while emotional skills such as listening, self-awareness and managing stress can be practised. For most people, working on both is more useful than worrying about which number is higher.
The Success Equation: Beyond IQ and EQ
Other factors that are often discussed alongside IQ and EQ:
Grit and Perseverance
Psychologist Angela Duckworth's work on "grit", perseverance and passion for long-term goals, suggests that sustained effort matters alongside ability.
Growth Mindset
Stanford psychologist Carol Dweck's work on "growth mindset" proposes that believing abilities can be developed encourages people to take on challenges and persist.
Social Support
The long-running Harvard Study of Adult Development has linked close relationships to better health and happiness later in life.
Practical Intelligence
Psychologist Robert Sternberg identifies "street smarts" or practical know-how as a distinct form of intelligence that traditional IQ tests don't measure.
Developing Your Intelligence: Strategies for IQ and EQ Enhancement
Both cognitive abilities and emotional intelligence can be developed throughout life. For someone with an IQ of 113, there are strategies to both leverage existing cognitive strengths and enhance emotional intelligence:
Enhancing Cognitive Abilities
While your IQ score of 113 already indicates above-average cognitive abilities, you can further enhance your mental performance:
Continuous Learning
Regularly challenge yourself with new information and skills. This could include formal education, online courses, reading books on unfamiliar subjects, or learning new languages.
Cognitive Exercise
Engage in activities that stimulate different cognitive abilities, such as puzzles, strategy games, musical training, or debate. These mostly improve the specific skills practised rather than IQ as a whole.
Physical Exercise
Regular physical activity has been shown to enhance cognitive function through improved blood flow to the brain, neurogenesis (creation of new brain cells), and release of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
Proper Nutrition
Brain health depends on adequate nutrients. Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and B vitamins are particularly important for cognitive function. A balanced diet supports overall brain health.
Quality Sleep
Sleep is essential for cognitive processes including memory consolidation, learning, and problem-solving. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to optimize brain function.
Stress Management
Chronic stress impairs cognitive function. Practices like meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can mitigate stress effects and improve concentration and mental clarity.
Developing Emotional Intelligence
Regardless of your IQ, enhancing your emotional intelligence can significantly improve your personal and professional outcomes:
Practice Self-Awareness
Regularly reflect on your emotions and reactions. Keep a journal to track emotional patterns, triggers, and responses. Consider mindfulness meditation to enhance awareness of your emotional states.
Develop Empathy
Actively practice seeing situations from others' perspectives. Reading fiction may also help you practise taking other perspectives. Ask open-ended questions and practice active listening in conversations.
Improve Emotional Vocabulary
Expand your ability to identify and label emotions with precision. Instead of just "angry," recognize if you're frustrated, irritated, enraged, or indignant—each suggests different causes and solutions.
Practice Emotional Regulation
Develop techniques to manage strong emotions effectively. This might include deep breathing, counting to ten, cognitive reframing, or temporarily removing yourself from triggering situations.
Seek Feedback
Ask trusted friends, family members, or colleagues for honest feedback about your emotional responses and social interactions. Use this information to identify blind spots and areas for improvement.
Role-Playing and Simulation
Practice handling emotionally challenging situations through role-playing exercises. This can help develop new response patterns in a low-risk environment before applying them in real life.
Creating Your Balanced Intelligence Development Plan
For someone with an IQ of 113 looking to maximize both cognitive and emotional abilities, consider this structured approach:
Step 1: Assessment
- Take a comprehensive EQ assessment to identify your emotional intelligence baseline
- Evaluate your specific cognitive strengths and areas for development within your IQ profile
- Gather feedback from others about your interpersonal effectiveness
Step 2: Goal Setting
- Set specific, measurable goals for both cognitive and emotional development
- Prioritize areas where improvement would have the most impact on your life
- Create a timeline with benchmarks to track progress
Step 3: Daily Practices
- Implement daily cognitive exercises like reading, puzzle-solving, or learning
- Establish regular emotional intelligence practices like reflection, journaling, or mindfulness
- Create habit triggers to ensure consistency
Step 4: Skill Application
- Actively seek opportunities to apply both types of intelligence in real-world situations
- Start with low-risk environments before tackling more challenging contexts
- Reflect on successes and failures to refine your approach
Step 5: Ongoing Evaluation
- Periodically reassess both cognitive abilities and emotional intelligence
- Collect feedback from others about observed changes
- Adjust development strategies based on progress and changing needs
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an EQ score of 113 mean?
On emotional intelligence tests that use standard scores with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15, such as the EQ-i 2.0 and MSCEIT, an EQ score of 113 is above average, at about the 81st percentile. On online quizzes with their own scoring, 113 has to be read against that quiz's own ranges.
Is 113 a good EQ score?
Yes. On standard-scored EQ tests, 113 is above the average band of 90-109 and higher than roughly 81% of the norm group. It suggests relative strengths in understanding and managing emotions, though scores on individual subscales can vary.
Is an EQ of 113 the same as an IQ of 113?
No. Both may sit at about the 81st percentile when the test uses a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15, but IQ measures reasoning and problem-solving while EQ measures how you perceive and manage emotions. The two scores are only weakly to moderately related.
What does an IQ of 113 mean?
An IQ of 113 is in the High Average range (110-119), at about the 81st percentile. It is 13 points above the average of 100 and below the roughly 130 needed for Mensa.
Is IQ or emotional intelligence more important for success?
Neither is universally more important. IQ is a strong predictor of academic results and of learning complex job skills, while emotional skills matter most in work and life built around other people. Developing both is the practical answer.
Can you improve your EQ score?
Emotional skills can be practised. Useful habits include reflecting on and naming your emotions, asking others for honest feedback, practising active listening, learning stress-management techniques and rehearsing difficult conversations. A retest after a period of deliberate practice may show changes, but self-report scores also shift with mood and self-perception.