What Does an IQ of 85 Mean?
An IQ of 85 is in the “Low average” range. About 15.9% of people score lower and 84.1% score higher. It’s 1 standard deviation below the average of 100.
What else is worth knowing about an IQ of 85?
85 is exactly one standard deviation below average and the lower edge of the 85–115 band that holds about two thirds of people. Roughly 1 in 6 people score 85 or lower, so it is far more common than many people think.
IQ 85 in numbers
- Classification
- Low average
- Scores lower than 85
- 15.9%
- How rare
- 1 in 6 people score this low or lower
- Distance from average
- -1 standard deviation
- Mensa level (top 2%)
- No, Mensa usually needs about 130+
What the “Low average” range means
Scores from 80 to 89 are low average. About 16% of people score here. Most people in this range live fully independent lives, and practical skills often matter more than the number.
How does IQ 85 compare?
Frequently asked questions
Is an IQ of 85 good?
An IQ of 85 is below average, but online tests are only estimates. Tiredness or distraction can lower a score by several points.
What percentile is an IQ of 85?
An IQ of 85 is higher than about 15.9% of the population, and about 84.1% of people score higher.
How rare is an IQ of 85?
About 1 in 6 people score 85 or lower.