IQ Score Analysis
84th percentile · Top 25% worldwide
What does an IQ of 117 mean?
An IQ score of 117 places you at the 84th percentile — above the majority of the population. This is the Above Average range, representing the top 25% of cognitive performers. Scores in this band reflect solid reasoning ability, above-average processing speed, and good capacity for abstract thought.
At 117, you can handle cognitively demanding tasks with relative ease. This range is associated with strong academic performance, professional competence across a wide range of careers, and the ability to learn new skills efficiently. It is the most common score range among university graduates in selective programs.
Population context
A score of 117 is sufficient for success across virtually every professional discipline, including most that are considered cognitively demanding. It represents a meaningful and practical advantage in learning speed, problem-solving quality, and decision-making under uncertainty.
IQ classification scale
Frequently asked questions
Is an IQ of 117 good?
An IQ of 117 places you at the 84th percentile, in the Above Average range (Top 25%). This is above average and reflects strong cognitive ability. Most professional and academic paths are well within reach.
What percentile is IQ 117?
An IQ of 117 corresponds to the 84th percentile. This means that 84% of the population scores at or below 117 under the same testing conditions. 16% of people score higher.
What does IQ 117 mean in terms of cognitive ability?
IQ 117 falls in the "Above Average" classification (Top 25%). This reflects solid reasoning ability, above-average comprehension, and competence across most demanding cognitive tasks.
Can IQ change from 117?
IQ scores are not fixed. Research shows that targeted cognitive training, quality sleep, aerobic exercise, and reduced chronic stress can measurably improve performance on IQ-type tasks. Dual N-Back training in particular has been shown to increase working memory and fluid reasoning scores. A well-designed 30-day cognitive training protocol can produce meaningful gains.
How rare is an IQ of 117?
About 16% of people score above 117, making it a relatively uncommon level of performance — you are in the top 16%.
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