How to Find Out Your IQ

Though IQ (intelligence quotient) has come under scrutiny as a measure of intelligence, finding out your IQ can help you become a member of certain organizations and can open other doors for you.

Things You'll Need

• IQ Tests

Instructions

1. Find an appropriate test - there are a great many IQ tests out there. On the Web, consider visiting iqtest.com to take an IQ test and to get general information about the process.

2. Take the test and score it.

3. Take several more tests and average the scores, dropping the lowest and highest. The result will give a good approximation of your IQ.

4. Understand what the results mean. Generally, an IQ of 100 places you in the 50th percentile (exactly average); 110 puts you in the 75th percentile; 120 in the 93rd; and 130 in the 98th, which is high enough to join Mensa.

5. Remember that no single number can measure something as complex and nuanced as "intelligence." Instead, IQ is intended to measure your chances of academic success in schools.

Tips & Warnings

• Be aware that high-IQ societies such as Mensa usually accept the results of only certain IQ tests. Contact the individual society to find out their requirements (see "How to Join Mensa" under Related eHows for one example).

• Don't be discouraged if you test low. Throughout history there have been many people of average or below-average IQ who have helped the world in profound ways.

• Keep in mind that there are many important human abilities that IQ tests can't measure, such as musical or artistic talent, physical coordination, social ability, ambition and sense of humor.