Having an IQ of 145 puts someone in the top 0.1% of the population in terms of intelligence. This level of intelligence is quite rare and signifies exceptionally high cognitive abilities. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at just how rare an IQ of 145 is and what it means.
What is IQ?
IQ stands for “intelligence quotient” and it is a score derived from standardized tests designed to measure human intelligence and cognitive abilities. The most commonly used IQ tests today are the Stanford-Binet IQ test and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS).
IQ tests are designed so that the average score is 100. The standard deviation, a measure of how scores are dispersed around the average, is 15. This means the following:
- 68% of people score between 85 and 115
- 95% of people score between 70 and 130
- 99.7% of people score between 55 and 145
IQ scores follow a normal distribution like a bell curve, with the majority of people clustered around the average score of 100. As you move further out along the bell curve in either direction, the scores become increasingly less common.
The rarity of an IQ of 145
An IQ of 145 is exceedingly rare. Let’s take a look at exactly how rare:
- It is more than 3 standard deviations above the mean IQ of 100.
- Only 0.1% of the population has an IQ at or above 145.
- This means 1 in 1,000 people will have an IQ this high.
- There are estimated to be around 76 million people in the world with an IQ of 145 or higher.
Here is a bell curve showing the rarity of an IQ of 145:
| IQ Score | Rarity |
| 55-69 | 2.2% of population |
| 70-84 | 13.6% of population |
| 85-114 | 68% of population |
| 115-129 | 13.6% of population |
| 130-144 | 2.2% of population |
| 145-159 | 0.1% of population |
| 160+ | Less than 0.1% of population |
As you can see, only 1 in 1,000 people will have an IQ of 145 or higher. It is quite a rare level of intelligence.
Characteristics of people with 145 IQ
People who have an IQ of 145 tend to demonstrate some common characteristics:
- Exceptional ability for abstract thinking and problem solving
- Quickly able to grasp complex concepts and see patterns
- Advanced vocabulary and verbal skills
- Excellent memory retention
- Ability to critically analyze information
- High achievement in intellectual and academic pursuits
While IQ tests have limitations in measuring intelligence, an IQ of 145 suggests someone is exceptionally gifted intellectually. They are able to comprehend difficult material with ease and clearly stand out from the general population in their cognitive abilities.
Career implications
Given their advanced intellectual capabilities, those with an IQ of 145 often pursue careers that utilize their high level of intelligence such as:
- Scientists – research and scientific discovery
- Professors – teaching at the university level
- Medical doctors – diagnosing and treating patients
- Lawyers – analyzing and arguing legal matters
- Engineers – complex design and analytical work
However, there are certainly highly intelligent people with an IQ of 145 in all fields. Their gifts allow them to excel in most professions they pursue.
Education level
Given their advanced cognitive abilities, people with an IQ of 145 tend to be high academic achievers and pursue higher education. Research shows:
- The majority test into gifted programs in early education
- They excel in academics from a young age
- Average high school GPA is 3.8+
- Over 75% pursue a college degree
- Over 25% obtain a Master’s, PhD or other advanced degree
While not a hard rule, the strong intellectual gifts of a 145 IQ tend to translate into exceptional performance in academic settings from an early age.
Genetics of high intelligence
Scientific research shows that intelligence is highly influenced by genetics. Some key points:
- Twin studies suggest intelligence is 50-80% genetic.
- Recent genomic studies have identified hundreds of gene variants associated with intelligence.
- Highly intelligent individuals are more likely to have very smart parents and siblings.
While environmental factors like education and nutrition influence intelligence, genetics play a very strong role in determining cognitive capabilities. An exceptionally high IQ of 145 is largely the result of winning the genetic lottery and inheriting a optimal set of intelligence-boosting genes.
Regression toward the mean
An interesting phenomenon with intelligence is regression toward the mean. This statistical principle states that extreme traits, like an IQ of 145, tend to regress back toward the average over generations as genes shuffle and recombine during reproduction. Here is what the research shows:
- 145 IQ parents – Average kid’s IQ is around 130
- 130 IQ parents – Average kid’s IQ is around 115
- 115 IQ parents – Average kid’s IQ is around 100
While genetics strongly influence intelligence, even very smart parents are unlikely to have extremely smart children as extreme genetic traits get pulled toward the mean over generations.
Nurturing high intelligence
While genetics determine the potential range of intelligence, optimal environment and education can help people reach the upper end of their cognitive gifts. For those with an IQ of 145, key ways to nurture their intellectual talents include:
- Individualized education plans
- Enrollment in gifted schools or programs
- Early exposure to advanced concepts in math, science, and language
- Encouragement of passionate interests and hobbies
- Minimal screen time and more interactive activities
- Reading of intellectually stimulating books and information
The right developmental environment can help those with high genetic intelligence reach their full cognitive potential.
Conclusion
An IQ of 145 is exceptionally rare, possessed by only 1 in 1,000 people. This level of intelligence represents incredibly high cognitive capabilities and giftedness. While shaped by genetics, intelligence can also be nurtured through education and environment. Still, an IQ of 145 suggests someone is at the extreme upper end of intellectual abilities.