Celebrities IQ

What Is Arnold Schwarzenegger's IQ?

By Samantha Davis, Psychology Writer
Published on October 02, 2024 | Updated on October 16, 2024

Image by Governo do Estado de São Paulo, used under CC BY 2.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

Arnold Schwarzenegger's IQ: 132

In the grand mosaic of celebrity culture, few figures have captivated the world quite like Arnold Schwarzenegger. His rise to stardom, from a small village in Austria to the governor’s mansion in California, seems like the stuff of legend. But behind the chiseled physique and iconic one-liners lies something many don’t expect: a mind sharper than his biceps. With an IQ of 132, Schwarzenegger is a reminder that intelligence comes in many forms, even in those we least suspect.

The early years

Arnold’s intellect wasn’t immediately apparent to everyone. Born in 1947 in Thal, Austria, young Schwarzenegger had a keen interest in mathematics and showed remarkable intelligence in school. But his dreams weren’t confined to the classroom. Growing up without running water or electricity, he spent time visualizing success far beyond his small town. By the age of 10, Arnold had set his sights on becoming the world’s greatest bodybuilder. His IQ of 132, placing him in the top 2% of the population, gave him the edge to strategize for a future beyond bodybuilding.

He devoured books on training, business, and success, and by his early twenties, he had already built a real estate empire. That’s right! Before Hollywood came knocking, Arnold was already a millionaire, thanks to his keen understanding of finance and investment.

A mind for more than movies

Before the world knew him as the Terminator, Arnold had already demonstrated his financial smarts. He wasn’t just banking on his muscles to make a living. At just 22, he invested in California real estate, buying properties and growing his wealth. This financial foresight allowed him to be selective about the movie roles he took, setting him apart from other action stars of the 1980s. While many were chasing fame, Arnold was strategically building a lasting legacy.
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His IQ also helped him in another arena: politics. When he became governor of California, many critics underestimated him, assuming his movie-star status was all there was. But Schwarzenegger approached politics the same way he approached bodybuilding: with intense focus, strategic planning, and an eye for results. His time in office proved that his mind was just as formidable as his physique.

A lifelong learner

One of the most remarkable things about Arnold Schwarzenegger is his insatiable desire to learn. He’s often said that “knowledge is power”, and he’s lived by that motto. Even after reaching the pinnacle of bodybuilding, then becoming one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, and later serving as governor, Arnold never stopped learning. He dove deep into environmental policy, renewable energy, and even self-help, authoring books to help others maximize their potential.

Whether it’s in the gym, on screen, or in the governor’s office, Schwarzenegger has proven time and again that brains and brawn are not mutually exclusive.

Arnold Schwarzenegger's IQ
132
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Arnold Schwarzenegger's IQ of 132: Our Methodology
High Confidence

Average Confidence Level

High

We relied on the findings of CBS News to estimate Arnold Schwarzenegger's IQ. We also reported the scores of three other sources for reference.

Syracuse.com
132 IQ Medium Confidence Confidence Level: Medium
CBS News
132 IQ High Confidence Confidence Level: High
DailyCare
135 IQ Low Confidence Confidence Level: Low
MSN
135 IQ Low Confidence Confidence Level: Low

5 Life Achievements That Show How Smart Arnold Schwarzenegger Is

  • High IQ Score: Arnold Schwarzenegger's IQ is measured at 132. This places him in the high intelligence category according to standardized IQ testing.
  • Multiple Industry Success: Schwarzenegger achieved significant success in bodybuilding, acting, and politics. His many talents demonstrate his versatility and ability to excel in diverse fields.
  • Business Ventures: Beyond entertainment and politics, Schwarzenegger has thrived in business. He has invested wisely and grown a substantial portfolio, indicating savvy financial and strategic intellect.
  • Educational Achievement: Arnold earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior in International Marketing of Fitness and Business Administration. At school, he blended his passion for fitness with formal education.
  • Strategic Political Moves: As Governor of California, Schwarzenegger implemented policies that addressed environmental and economic issues, reflecting his ability to navigate complex political landscapes and enforce impactful laws.
Image by Gage Skidmore, used under CC BY-SA 2.0 / Incorporated into an illustration
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Arnold Schwarzenegger's Score on the IQ Spectrum

Arnold Schwarzenegger's IQ of 132 places him in an elite bracket. This score means he is among the top 2% in terms of intelligence. With an IQ like that, Schwarzenegger could join Mensa, one of the most renowned high-IQ organizations. His score, while impressive, falls just short for Intertel's minimum.

Image by Governo do Estado de São Paulo, used under CC BY 2.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

Comparing Arnold Schwarzenegger's 132 IQ to That of Other Actors

Arnold Schwarzenegger is often seen as a symbol of physical strength, but in reality he's one of the smartest actors in Hollywood. He’s part of an impressive group of famous people known for their intelligence.

For example, James Woods, known for his intense acting, has an IQ of 181, putting him in the genius category. Another surprising member of this group is Rowan Atkinson, the comedic genius behind Mr. Bean. While he makes people laugh with his silly humor, his IQ of 178 shows he’s as smart as he is funny.

Marilyn Monroe also stands out with her IQ of 165, breaking the stereotype of the “dumb blonde” and showing that beauty and brains can go hand in hand. Modern stars like Ashton Kutcher and Matt Damon both have IQs of 160. While Ashton Kutcher is known for his comedy and tech ventures, and Matt Damon for his action roles, their intelligence helps drive their success both on and off the screen.

Illustration composed of multiple sources: images by Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 3.0, Alan Light (alan.light) under CC BY 2.0, Gerhard Heeke under CC BY-SA 3.0, Jennie Park Photography under CC BY 2.0, david_shankbone under Public Domain, Elena Ternovaja under CC BY-SA 3.0 / Incorporated into an illustration

Did you expect Arnold Schwarzenegger's IQ to be 132? Let us know in the comments section below!

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