An IQ score of 86 falls into the Low Average range on the standard intelligence scale (mean = 100, standard deviation = 15). This score is slightly below the population mean but well within functional range.
What an IQ of 86 means
86 is about 1 in 6 at or below, at the 17.5th percentile. One of the clearest findings in the research on intelligence is that education raises test scores. A large 2018 meta-analysis that pooled natural experiments, such as changes in school-leaving age, estimated that each extra year of schooling adds roughly one to five IQ points, with effects that last into later life. A score of 86 at 18 is therefore not destined to stay at 86, and continued learning, formal or not, is one of the few things known to move it.
Where does an IQ of 86 rank?
On a standardized IQ test, a score of 86 places you higher than approximately 17.5% of the population, which means most people score above this level. Intelligence scores follow a normal distribution — most people cluster near 100, and scores taper off sharply toward both extremes.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| IQ score | 86 |
| Classification | Low Average |
| Percentile | 17.5% |
| Rarity (out of 1,000) | ~825 in 1,000 score this high or higher |
| Standard deviations from mean | -0.93 |
IQ 86 in numbers
- About 17.5% of people score below 86, and 82.5% score higher.
- In a room of 100 randomly chosen adults, about 82 would score 86 or higher.
- Another 4 points would move this score into the Average band, which starts at 90.
- Even on professionally administered tests a single result has a margin of error of about five points either way, so a measured 86 is best read as somewhere between 81 and 91.
On our free IQ test
Of the 3,834 people who completed our free IQ test between April and October 2026, 12 scored exactly 86 and 97.8% scored higher. People who choose to take an online IQ test are not a random sample of the population (our average is 114.5), so this shows where a score sits among other test-takers, not among everyone. More in our 2026 data study.
Which IQ tests produce a score of 86?
A score of 86 can be produced by any standardized intelligence test that uses the mean = 100, SD = 15 scale. The most widely used tests include:
- Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) — clinical gold standard for adults.
- Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales — oldest continuously-used intelligence test.
- Mensa admissions test — used by the Mensa society for membership selection.
- Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) tests — most theoretically grounded modern framework.
- Our free IQ test — instant online estimate with the same scaling.
How to interpret an IQ score of 86
Scores between 70 and 90 are within the normal distribution but below the population mean. Many people in this range thrive in their careers and relationships — IQ is only one dimension of ability. Domain-specific skills, conscientiousness, practice, and social intelligence all contribute significantly to real-world outcomes.
IQ 86 in Context
| IQ Range | Classification | Population % |
|---|---|---|
| Below 70 | Extremely Low | ~2.2% |
| 70–79 | Borderline | ~6.7% |
| 80–89 | Low Average | ~16.1% |
| 90–109 | Average | ~50% |
| 110–119 | High Average | ~16.1% |
| 120–129 | Superior | ~6.7% |
| 130+ | Gifted / Very Superior | ~2.2% |
Factors That Influence Your Score
Your IQ score reflects a combination of genetic potential and environmental influences including education, nutrition, health, and the testing conditions themselves. Factors like fatigue, anxiety, unfamiliarity with the test format, and even the time of day can all affect performance. A single test score should be viewed as an estimate, and scores can vary by several points between testing sessions.
Nearby scores
Compare the major IQ tests
Which test produces the most accurate score depends on what you're trying to measure. These head-to-head comparisons break down the differences:
- WAIS vs Stanford-Binet — the two clinical heavyweights compared.
- Mensa vs WAIS — entry-test speed vs full clinical assessment.
- Stanford-Binet vs Mensa — which one actually gets you into Mensa.
- CHC vs Wechsler — modern cognitive framework vs the classic.
- Raven vs Cattell — non-verbal alternatives for cross-cultural testing.
Further reading
- What is a good IQ score?
- What does your IQ score mean?
- Average IQ by age
- Mensa requirements
- IQ test types compared
Want to find out your IQ score?
Take a free, comprehensive cognitive assessment modeled on clinical IQ tests.
Take the Free IQ TestFrequently asked questions
Is IQ 86 considered good?
An IQ of 86 is below the population average, but IQ is a narrow measure — domain-specific skills, experience, and effort matter at least as much as raw score in real-world outcomes.
Can an IQ of 86 change over time?
IQ scores are relatively stable in adulthood but can shift modestly with education, engagement, sleep, and health. Short-term factors like stress and fatigue can move a single test result by 5–10 points in either direction — which is why we recommend comparing results across multiple sessions rather than reading too much into any single score.
What percentile is IQ 86?
An IQ of 86 corresponds to the 17.5th percentile on the standard bell curve — meaning it is higher than about 18 out of every 100 people.