IQ 117 Insights: Above Average or Just Normal?

You just received an IQ score of 117—a number that sits close to the higher end of the spectrum, yet still below what most people consider “genius.” It’s normal to wonder: Am I genuinely above average? Or still within the normal range?

If you're curious how different IQ ranges compare, you can also see our full guide on IQ scores.

This article goes deeper than typical IQ charts, offering a grounded look at what a 117 IQ actually means for your thinking style, personality, and the professional paths where your strengths naturally shine. If you haven’t taken a standardized test yet, you can confirm your score with the International Standard IQ Test or try a quicker option like the Free IQ Test.

IQ 117 on the Bell Curve: What the Numbers Say

On most standard IQ tests (such as WAIS or Stanford-Binet), scores are distributed like this:

• 90–109 = Average
• 110–119 = High Average
• 120–129 = Above Average
• 130+ = Superior or Gifted
• With a score of 117, you fall near the top of the "High Average" range—roughly in the top 15% of the general population. It’s not genius-level, but it’s far from ordinary.

If you want to see how IQ 117 compares with nearby ranges, you may find these helpful: IQ 110, IQ 125, IQ 129, ...

You’re likely someone who:

• Grasps new concepts quickly
• Learns faster than peers
• Processes information efficiently

But that number is only the surface.

Strengths & Mental Traits of People with an IQ of 117

An IQ of 117 places you noticeably above the population average and reflects a mind equipped with solid reasoning, communication, and learning abilities. This level of intelligence often corresponds with both intellectual curiosity and the capacity to handle moderately complex tasks efficiently. Below are some of the defining strengths and cognitive traits often associated with this range:

1. Strong Verbal and Linguistic Skills

You likely enjoy language—through reading, writing, debate, teaching, or analysis. You can articulate ideas with clarity and nuance, a core element of linguistic intelligence. This often translates into strengths in storytelling, presentation, or constructing persuasive arguments.

2. Analytical and Logical Thinking

You process information through logic more than impulse. Your ability to break down complex ideas and evaluate information critically gives you a major advantage in strategic planning and decision-making. Abstract or theoretical thinking comes more naturally to you than to the average person. If you'd like to measure this skill more precisely, try the Verbal and Nonverbal Intelligence Test or the Problem-Solving Aptitude Test.

3. Advanced Problem-Solving Ability

You see patterns, relationships, and solutions across different kinds of problems. This aligns well with fields that require troubleshooting or systems thinking. For deeper self-assessment, explore how cognitive flexibility influences your adaptability.

4. Fast Learning and Knowledge Integration

Rather than memorizing facts, you excel by understanding the underlying principles—and applying them across fields. These are traits commonly associated with high learning efficiency and cognitive growth. If you're curious whether intelligence can be increased, you may enjoy:

How to Improve Cognitive Skills

How to Raise Your Intelligence

5. Adaptability and Executive Functioning

People with IQ 117 often have strong working memory, task-switching ability, and goal-oriented planning skills. You can navigate multiple priorities without losing focus. This fits well with roles requiring organization and fast adaptation—skills reinforced by research into neuroplasticity.

Together, these traits make IQ 117 a balanced, high-functioning level of intelligence—particularly suited to solving real-world problems, leading projects, and adapting to changing systems.

Is 117 Truly "Above Average"?

Yes—statistically, it is. The average IQ falls around 100, and a score of 117 places you roughly in the top 15% of the population. However, the real significance of this score depends on how you use it.

Raw intelligence alone is only part of the equation. Success, innovation, and fulfillment rely just as much on motivation, emotional intelligence, creativity, and consistency. Someone with an IQ of 117 who maintains curiosity, discipline, and resilience will often achieve more than someone with a much higher IQ who lacks focus or drive.

If you continue to:

• Learn continuously and challenge your assumptions
• Engage with complex or abstract ideas
• Communicate effectively and empathetically
• Adapt to new information or change —then your IQ becomes more than a number; it becomes a foundation for lifelong growth and achievement.

Best Career Paths for an IQ of 117

With strong analytical, verbal, and organizational skills, you’re well suited to careers that blend intellectual challenge with real-world application. Some promising options include:

• Marketing Strategy: Identifying consumer behavior patterns, crafting persuasive narratives, and testing creative ideas.
• Education: Teaching, curriculum development, or academic advising—especially at the secondary or college level.
• Healthcare Fields: Roles that require critical thinking and empathy, such as nursing, occupational therapy, or healthcare administration.
• Technology & Data: UX/UI design, web development, or data analysis—where creativity meets structured logic. If you want to compare your potential against higher-level STEM demands, you can explore the High Range IQ Test.
• Corporate or Organizational Roles: Project management, HR, operations, or training—positions where communication and decision-making are essential. To see which jobs align with higher-IQ profiles, here’s a useful reference: What Jobs Require High IQ?

In all these paths, IQ supports your capacity to learn quickly and think strategically, but soft skills, persistence, and emotional awareness will determine your long-term success.

Challenges & Misconceptions

Even with clear advantages, individuals around this IQ range may encounter specific challenges:

• Understimulation Early in Life: Many students at this level find typical classroom work too easy. This can lead to disengagement or procrastination. For parents exploring this issue in children, see: What Is a Good IQ Score for Kids?
• Overthinking or Perfectionism: You may hold yourself to high standards, sometimes overanalyzing details or delaying decisions in pursuit of ideal outcomes.
• Imposter Feelings: Especially in competitive environments, it’s easy to undervalue your true capabilities. The key is to treat IQ as an asset, not a ceiling. Intelligence grows through practice, environment, and habits—reinforced by how the brain develops over time, as explained in Does IQ Change With Age?.

The key insight?

Treat your IQ as a starting point, not a limitation or a measure of worth. Intelligence is fluid, not fixed. What truly defines your potential is how you combine your cognitive strengths with emotional maturity, perseverance, and purpose.

117 vs. Genius: Are You Close?

While genius IQ is typically defined as 140+, you're not far off from the gifted range (which often starts at 120–130). More importantly, your abilities already exceed what most people possess, and with focus, emotional intelligence, and discipline, you can outperform people with higher IQs in practical life scenarios.

Remember: IQ reflects potential, not outcome.

Final Thoughts: Unlocking the Power of IQ 117

IQ 117 is not average. It’s strategically sharp, intellectually agile, and full of untapped opportunity. Whether you're leading a team, teaching students, creating a new app, or simply solving daily problems—your intelligence can shine when paired with purpose and emotional skill.

So don’t just ask "Am I above average?"

Ask instead: "What am I doing with this advantage?"