What does an IQ score of 78 mean?

An IQ score of 78 falls into the Borderline range on the standard intelligence scale (mean = 100, standard deviation = 15). This score is below the typical range but within the normal distribution; often compensated by skill, experience, and practice.

Where does an IQ of 78 rank?

On a standardized IQ test, a score of 78 places you higher than approximately 7.1% of the population (most people score above this). Intelligence scores follow a normal distribution — most people cluster near 100, and scores taper off sharply toward both extremes.

Metric	Value
IQ score	78
Classification	Borderline
Percentile	7.1%
Rarity (out of 1,000)	~929 in 1,000 score this high or higher
Standard deviations from mean	-1.47

Which IQ tests produce a score of 78?

A score of 78 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 78

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 78 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

Frequently asked questions

Is IQ 78 considered good?

An IQ of 78 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 78 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 78?

An IQ of 78 corresponds to the 7.1th percentile on the standard bell curve — meaning it is higher than about 7 out of every 100 people.