Is 113 IQ Good? Complete Analysis
Yes, an IQ of 113 is good. It falls in the "High Average" or "Above Average" range and is higher than approximately 79% of the population. With the average IQ score being 100 and a standard deviation of 15, a 113 IQ is nearly one standard deviation above the mean.
Understanding an IQ of 113
To properly understand an IQ score of 113, it helps to know how IQ scores are distributed and what this specific score represents in context.
IQ Distribution Explained
IQ scores follow a normal distribution (bell curve) with the following characteristics:
- Mean (average) score: 100
- Standard deviation: 15 points
- Approximately 68% of the population scores between 85 and 115
- About 95% of people score between 70 and 130
- Nearly 99.7% of the population falls between 55 and 145
Visual representation of IQ distribution with 113 marked (approximately 79th percentile)
What Percentile is an IQ of 113?
An IQ of 113 corresponds to approximately the 79th percentile. This means:
- You score higher than about 79% of the population
- Only about 21% of people score higher than you
- This places you solidly in the "Above Average" category
IQ Percentile Calculator
An IQ of 113 is at the 79th percentile.
This means you score higher than approximately 79% of the population.
IQ Classifications and Where 113 Falls
Different psychological and educational organizations use slightly different classification systems for IQ scores. Here's where an IQ of 113 generally falls:
| IQ Range | Classification | Percentage of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 130+ | Very Superior | 2.2% |
| 120-129 | Superior | 6.7% |
| 110-119 | High Average | 16.1% |
| 90-109 | Average | 50% |
| 80-89 | Low Average | 16.1% |
| 70-79 | Borderline | 6.7% |
| Below 70 | Extremely Low | 2.2% |
According to most classification systems, an IQ of 113 falls within the "High Average" range. Some systems might refer to this as "Above Average" intelligence.
What Does an IQ of 113 Mean Practically?
IQ scores are abstract numbers, but they do correlate with certain real-world outcomes and abilities. Here's what an IQ of 113 typically indicates:
Academic Implications
- Likely to perform well in academic settings
- Generally able to understand complex academic concepts
- Typically capable of completing undergraduate education with good results
- May find certain advanced academic topics more accessible than average
- Often capable of graduate-level education with appropriate effort
Career Potential
- Intellectually suited for a wide range of professional careers
- Capable of learning complex job skills
- May excel in roles requiring problem-solving and analytical thinking
- Often performs well in middle management and professional positions
- Typically able to adapt to changing workplace demands
Cognitive Strengths
- Good abstract reasoning abilities
- Above-average pattern recognition
- Strong logical thinking skills
- Better than average verbal comprehension
- Good working memory capacity
Learning & Problem-Solving
- Typically learns new concepts more easily than average
- Often requires less repetition to master new skills
- Usually able to apply learning to novel situations effectively
- Generally good at identifying solutions to complex problems
- Often capable of independent learning with appropriate resources
Important Considerations
While an IQ of 113 does indicate above-average cognitive abilities, it's crucial to remember:
- IQ is just one measure of cognitive ability and doesn't capture the full spectrum of human intelligence
- Factors such as emotional intelligence, creativity, practical skills, and social abilities are not measured by standard IQ tests
- Success in life depends on many factors beyond IQ, including motivation, perseverance, opportunity, and social support
- IQ scores can sometimes vary based on testing conditions, the specific test used, and other factors
Common IQ Tests and What 113 Means on Each
Different IQ tests may have slightly different scales and interpretations. Here's how an IQ of 113 would be understood on major intelligence tests:
Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-IV)
On the WAIS-IV, one of the most commonly used adult intelligence tests:
- A score of 113 falls in the "High Average" range
- It's above the average range (90-109)
- The score represents performance across four index areas: Verbal Comprehension, Perceptual Reasoning, Working Memory, and Processing Speed
Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale
On the Stanford-Binet test:
- A score of 113 is classified as "Above Average"
- It falls in the upper part of the normal distribution
- The test measures five factors: Fluid Reasoning, Knowledge, Quantitative Reasoning, Visual-Spatial Processing, and Working Memory
Raven's Progressive Matrices
On Raven's matrices, which focus specifically on non-verbal reasoning:
- A score equivalent to 113 would be considered "Above Average"
- It demonstrates good abstract reasoning and pattern recognition
- This test is considered relatively culture-fair as it doesn't rely heavily on language
Cattell Culture Fair Intelligence Test
On the Cattell test:
- A score of 113 indicates above-average fluid intelligence
- It suggests good ability to solve novel problems independent of acquired knowledge
- The test aims to minimize cultural and educational biases
Famous People with IQs Around 113
While precise IQ scores of celebrities and notable individuals are often speculative or private, some public figures are estimated to have IQs in the range around 113 (approximately 110-115).
Note: The following are based on estimates, reports, and public information, not confirmed IQ test results. These should be considered illustrative rather than definitive.
Entertainment
- Several successful actors and musicians
- Many film and television producers
- Numerous accomplished writers and journalists
Business & Leadership
- Many successful middle and upper-level managers
- Numerous entrepreneurs of medium-sized businesses
- Various regional political leaders
Academia & Professional Fields
- Many successful teachers and professors
- Numerous doctors, lawyers, and engineers
- Various accomplished researchers
An IQ of 113 is associated with success in many professional fields and represents a level of intelligence that can excel in most career paths with appropriate education, effort, and opportunity.
Improving Cognitive Performance Beyond IQ
While IQ scores are relatively stable after childhood, cognitive performance can be enhanced in various ways. If you have an IQ of 113 (or any score), here are ways to maximize your cognitive potential:
Continuous Learning
Engage in lifelong learning through:
- Reading widely across various subjects
- Taking courses in areas of interest
- Learning new skills that challenge different cognitive domains
- Engaging with complex ideas and concepts
Physical Health
Maintain brain health through:
- Regular physical exercise
- Adequate sleep (7-9 hours for most adults)
- Nutrition that supports brain health (omega-3s, antioxidants)
- Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol
Mental Exercises
Challenge your brain with:
- Strategic games like chess or complex board games
- Puzzles and logic problems
- Learning a new language
- Musical training or practice
Emotional & Social Intelligence
Develop complementary intelligence types:
- Practice empathy and understanding others' perspectives
- Work on communication skills
- Develop emotional regulation strategies
- Build collaborative problem-solving skills
Practical Application
Apply intelligence effectively through:
- Developing good decision-making processes
- Learning to recognize and mitigate cognitive biases
- Practicing creative problem-solving in real-world situations
- Building metacognition (thinking about your thinking)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can an IQ of 113 change over time?
While IQ scores are designed to be relatively stable, they can change somewhat over time due to various factors. Small fluctuations (±5 points) are common when retesting. More significant changes can occur during childhood and adolescence. Education, cognitive training, and environmental factors may influence scores, but dramatic changes in adult IQ are uncommon without significant neurological events or conditions.
What careers are suitable for someone with an IQ of 113?
An IQ of 113 opens doors to a wide range of careers. People with this level of intelligence can typically succeed in most professional fields with proper education and training. This includes medicine, law, engineering, teaching, business management, scientific research, creative fields, and many technical professions. Career success depends on many factors beyond IQ, including interests, personality, emotional intelligence, work ethic, and opportunity.
Is an IQ of 113 good enough for Mensa?
No, an IQ of 113 does not qualify for Mensa membership. Mensa requires an IQ score in the top 2% of the population, which is typically 130 or higher on most standardized IQ tests (98th percentile). An IQ of 113 falls around the 79th percentile, which is above average but below Mensa's threshold.
How rare is an IQ of 113?
An IQ of 113 is not particularly rare. Approximately 21% of the population has an IQ of 113 or higher. In other words, in a random group of 100 people, about 21 would be expected to have an IQ of 113 or above. This score is above average but still within a commonly occurring range.
Does having an IQ of 113 mean I'm smarter than average?
Yes, an IQ of 113 indicates above-average cognitive abilities as measured by standardized intelligence tests. It places you approximately 13 points (or nearly one standard deviation) above the population mean of 100. This suggests better-than-average performance in areas like abstract reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving. However, intelligence is multifaceted, and IQ tests measure only specific cognitive abilities, not all forms of intelligence or knowledge.