IQ Conversion Tools
Use the tools below to convert IQ scores into percentiles or find equivalent scores across popular standardized tests like the SAT, LSAT, GRE, GMAT, and MCAT.
What is the methodology used to convert IQ Scores?
Our conversion methodology relies on percentile matching.
IQ scores follow a normal distribution, with a mean of 100 and standard deviations of 15 (most common) or 16 points. This pattern makes it possible to rank scores as percentiles, and to show how an individual's IQ compares to the rest of the population. This is the logic we rely on for our percentile to IQ calculator.
For standardized tests not specifically designed to measure IQ, such as the GRE, GMAT, LSAT, SAT, and others, we convert the raw test scores to corresponding percentiles (where available) and then map those percentiles to IQ percentiles based on the normal distribution of IQ scores, using a standard deviation of 15 points.
This approach ensures that our conversions are consistent, grounded in statistical data, and provide reliable comparisons across various standardized tests.
How accurate are these conversions to IQ?
IQ conversions from tests like the SAT, GRE, and LSAT provide a rough estimate but aren’t exact measures of intelligence. These exams test skills like reading and math, which relate to cognitive ability but don’t fully measure it. Factors such as test design, preparation, and individual strengths or weaknesses can also influence scores.
Consequently, these conversions should be seen as general approximations rather than precise IQ scores. Research by Sternberg et al. (2019) supports this view, It shows that standardized tests like the SAT often miss important reasoning skills needed in real-life and scientific settings.
Why are there correlations between tests like the SAT, LSAT, GRE, and GMAT?
Tests like the SAT, LSAT, GRE, and GMAT show similar results because they measure overlapping skills, such as critical thinking and reasoning, which are generally related to cognitive ability. As a result, it’s natural to expect scores on these tests to be highly correlated.
Research backs this Pesta et al. (2019) showed that national IQ strongly correlates with average scores on these exams across countries. For example, GRE to IQ correlation is 0.72, the ACT to IQ correlation is 0.77, and the SAT to IQ correlation is as high as 0.82!
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Can preparation impact IQ estimates based on standardized test scores?
Yes, preparation can significantly impact IQ estimates derived from standardized test scores. Tests like the SAT, GRE, and LSAT allow for practice, and studying often boosts scores. However, these improvements may not reflect a true increase in general cognitive ability, which is what IQ tests are designed to measure. Unlike IQ tests, standardized exams assess both cognitive skills and learned knowledge, making it easier for preparation to influence scores.
Can IQ scores predict performance on standardized tests like the SAT or LSAT?
IQ scores measure general cognitive abilities, which are often linked to how well people perform on tests like the SAT or LSAT. Researchers have even found that countries with higher average IQs tend to score better on exams like the GRE and GMAT. For individuals, though, success on these tests isn’t just about IQ…it also depends on how well you’ve prepared and the specific skills the test measures.
What is the difference between IQ percentiles and percentiles for standardized tests like the SAT or MCAT?
IQ percentiles and standardized test percentiles may look similar, but they measure different things. IQ percentiles show where a person stands in the general population in terms of overall cognitive ability, like problem-solving and reasoning skills. Standardized test percentiles, like those for the SAT, LSAT, or MCAT, rank individuals based on their performance in specific areas like math, reading, or science. While both use percentiles to compare people, IQ percentiles focus on general intelligence, whereas standardized test percentiles reflect knowledge and skills in particular subjects.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
What other methodologies exist for IQ conversions?
Alternative IQ conversion methods include z-score conversions, which use the standard normal distribution to approximate IQ scores, and regression models, which are particularly useful when correlations between tests are known, such as between the GRE and GMAT. Each approach offers unique strengths depending on test design and available data.
What is the difference between the z-score method and the percentile method?
These two methods are related but they are not the same. Here’s how they differ:
- Percentile Matching: This method compares scores to a pre-established percentile distribution. It directly shows how a score ranks compared to the population. For IQ conversion, percentiles can provide a straightforward way to understand where a score falls within a given population distribution, often without needing the raw statistical calculations.
- Z-Score Conversion: The z-score method, on the other hand, converts scores to a "standard normal distribution" by calculating how many standard deviations a score is from the mean. For example, a z-score of +1 means the score is one standard deviation above the mean. For IQ, a z-score provides an underlying statistical basis for converting scores, but it doesn’t directly indicate percentile. Once a z-score is obtained, it can be mapped to a percentile based on the normal distribution.
The percentile matching is often more direct and user-friendly, while z-score conversion is more mathematical. It provides a step toward percentile but not directly indicating it.
What role does G-loading play in standardized tests as IQ proxies?
G-loading, or the "general intelligence" factor, measures how much a test reflects overall cognitive ability. Tests with high G-loading, such as the Wechsler or Stanford-Binet IQ tests – two of the most popular types of IQ tests – are specifically designed to assess a broad range of mental abilities that contribute to overall intelligence.
Standardized tests like the LSAT and GRE also have moderate to high G-loading, meaning they measure some aspects of cognitive ability. However, because these tests focus on specific skills, they are not perfect substitutes for IQ tests.
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