What IQ is considered genius?
There's no official “genius” score, but some thresholds are widely used, and some popular claims go far beyond what any test can measure.
Common thresholds
| IQ | Common label | How rare |
|---|---|---|
| 130+ | Gifted | about 1 in 44 |
| 140+ | Highly gifted | about 1 in 260 |
| 145+ | Exceptionally gifted | about 1 in 740 |
| 160+ | Profoundly gifted | about 1 in 31,500 |
Why tests struggle above 145
To measure a score precisely, a test needs hard questions that only very high scorers solve, and enough people at that level to calibrate them. Above about 145–160 both run out. That's why claims of IQs of 200 or more for historical figures are estimates, not measurements.
Measuring the high range
IQ Atlas handles this with a second test. If you answer nearly every question correctly on the standard test, the Genius Test unlocks: four very hard, generously timed reasoning sections that measure the 140–165 range.
Frequently asked questions
Is 140 a genius IQ?
140 is highly gifted, around the top 0.4%. Many people use 140 as an informal “genius” threshold, though the word has no official definition.