Ever wondered whether an IQ of 110 means you're smarter at age 12 than at 30? The truth is, IQ scores are age-adjusted, meaning your result is always compared to peers your age.
So instead of asking, "Is my IQ high?", a better question might be: "How does my IQ compare to others my age?" This article dives into average IQ by age, how it’s measured, and what it really means.
Modern IQ tests (like the WAIS or WISC) normalize scores based on age groups. Whether you’re 10, 25, or 60, your raw test performance is compared to others your age — so a score of 100 always represents average intelligence within your group.
This system keeps IQ stable across the lifespan — in theory. In practice, other factors like education, brain plasticity, and even test fatigue come into play.
Below is a general breakdown of how average IQ scores tend to distribute across different age ranges:
| Age Group | Average IQ | Notes |
| 2–4 years | ~95–105 | Early tests are observational, focusing on language & motor development. |
| 5–10 years | ~95–110 | Basic reasoning and memory skills measured. |
| 11–18 years | ~100 | Rapid cognitive development; more stable test results. |
| 19–30 years | 98–105 | Peak fluid intelligence (problem-solving, logic). |
| 31–50 years | 95–105 | Slight decline in speed, but verbal IQ may improve. |
| 51–65 years | 90–100 | Processing speed declines, but knowledge retention remains strong. |
| 66+ years | 85–100 | Memory and adaptability may dip; varies greatly by lifestyle. |
Note: These are generalized trends — individuals can outperform (or underperform) at any age based on education, health, or environment.
IQ isn’t one skill — it’s a composite of multiple abilities:
| Cognitive Function | Peak Age | Explanation |
| Processing Speed | ~18–24 | Brain handles new info quickly; ideal for fast decision-making. |
| Working Memory | ~25–30 | Retaining info short-term peaks; essential in problem-solving. |
| Verbal Reasoning | ~30–50 | Increases with experience and reading. |
| Crystallized Intelligence | ~50+ | Gained from life knowledge; holds up well with age. |
An IQ of 115 might mean different things depending on your age:
IQ comparisons only make sense within the same age group — otherwise, the playing field isn’t level.
Want to assess your intelligence relative to your peers? Make sure to:
Try our Free Online IQ Test with Instant Results — designed to reflect your intelligence level relative to your age.
Technically, IQ is stable after early childhood — but life factors can cause small fluctuations:
The most important takeaway? While your IQ might stay the same on paper, your mental sharpness is highly flexible based on how you use your brain daily.
Knowing the average IQ by age is helpful — but remember, your value isn’t bound to a score. Intelligence is a dynamic mix of logic, emotion, creativity, and action.
Whether you're a teenager with potential or an older adult rich in wisdom, the real question is: How are you using your mind today?