LSAT to IQ Calculator

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is an important step for anyone looking to get into law school. It’s mainly meant to predict how well someone might do in law school. 

A lot of people wonder if LSAT scores also reflect intelligence or IQ. What we’ll cover in this article is that we'll look at the link between LSAT scores and IQ, by breaking down what the LSAT really measures and how it connects to intelligence.

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is an important step for anyone looking to get into law school. It’s mainly meant to predict how well someone might do in law school. 

A lot of people wonder if LSAT scores also reflect intelligence or IQ. What we’ll cover in this article is that we'll look at the link between LSAT scores and IQ, by breaking down what the LSAT really measures and how it connects to intelligence.

What Is the LSAT?

The LSAT is a standardized test required for admission to most law schools in the United States and Canada. Since its introduction in 1948, the LSAT has served as a tool to evaluate applicants' potential for success in law school. Over the years, the test has undergone significant changes, including its transition to a digital format in 2019.

Each section is designed to test specific skills important for law school:

• Logical Reasoning: Assesses your ability to evaluate and analyze arguments.
• Analytical Reasoning (Logic Games): Tests your problem-solving skills through puzzles involving rules and relationships.
• Reading Comprehension: Measures your ability to understand and analyze complex written material.
• Experimental Section: A random, unscored section that doesn’t count toward your score but is used to test new questions for future exams.
• Writing Sample: A 30-minute unscored essay that evaluates your ability to present a well-reasoned argument.

Test Format and Timing: The LSAT consists of multiple-choice sections and the Writing Sample, with a total test time of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including breaks. Each multiple-choice section is 35 minutes long, requiring efficient time management to complete.

These sections are designed to challenge your critical thinking, reading, and reasoning abilities—all skills essential for navigating the challenges of legal education. When it comes to scoring, the LSAT score ranges from 120 to 180, with the raw score converted to a scaled score. Law schools use this score as a key component in their admissions decisions.

What Does the LSAT Measure?

The LSAT is designed to evaluate key cognitive skills that are essential for success in law school. Instead of testing specific knowledge, it focuses on assessing the following abilities:

• Critical Thinking: Analyzing and evaluating arguments effectively.
• Logical Reasoning: Understanding logical relationships and drawing sound conclusions.
• Reading Comprehension: Interpreting and analyzing complex written material.
• Analytical Skills: Solving intricate puzzles and identifying patterns.
• Problem-Solving: Applying logical principles to unfamiliar situations.
• Written Communication: Crafting clear, concise, and well-structured arguments through the Writing Sample, demonstrating the ability to present and defend a position effectively.

These skills closely align with those evaluated by traditional IQ tests, and this is the reason why it has sparked discussions about the connection between LSAT scores and intelligence.

Understanding the LSAT Bell Curve

LSAT scores range from 120 to 180 and follow a bell curve distribution. This means most LSAT takers score near the middle of the scale, with fewer scoring at the extremes. The average score is around 150, with a standard deviation of about 10 points. Here’s how the distribution breaks down:

• About 68% of test-takers score between 140 and 160.
• About 95% score between 130 and 170.
• Scores of 170 or higher place you in the top 2-3% of test-takers, while scores below 130 are exceptionally rare (more on that topic later in this article)
• Percentiles and Competitiveness: LSAT scores are accompanied by percentile rankings, which indicate how a test-taker performed relative to others. For example, a score of 160 typically places a candidate in the top 20-25%, making it competitive for many law schools, while a score of 175 or above is often required for admission to top-tier programs.

This distribution helps law schools compare applicants and assess where they stand relative to their peers.

How Well Does the LSAT Correlate with IQ?

The LSAT is designed to test reasoning skills, which overlap with many of the abilities measured by IQ tests. Research shows that the LSAT has a strong connection to other standardized tests, like the GRE, with a reported correlation of r = 0.85 between GRE Verbal and Quantitative scores and the LSAT. This shows that these tests evaluate similar cognitive skills, such as problem-solving, verbal reasoning, and analytical thinking. Psychologist Raymond Cattell’s concept of "crystallized intelligence" – skills and knowledge you build over time – helps explain how the LSAT fits into the broader picture of cognitive ability. This correlation highlights the LSAT’s focus on assessing learned reasoning abilities rather than purely innate cognitive potential.

How the LSAT and IQ Are Connected

The LSAT is a good measure of reasoning ability, especially at higher scores (165+), but its connection to IQ is more complicated. It’s definitely possible to increase a low LSAT score through practice and study. This aligns with Cattell’s idea of crystallized intelligence, which grows through learning and effort, which is also connected with the concept of “neuroplasticity” of the brain. In other words, LSAT performance can improve as you gain more experience and refine your test-taking skills.

Can You Train Your Brain for the LSAT?

Both the LSAT and IQ tests can be influenced by preparation. Studies show that dedicated LSAT study can improve brain activity in areas related to reasoning and problem-solving. Cattell’s theory helps explain this: while "fluid intelligence" (your natural reasoning ability) is harder to change, "crystallized intelligence" (what you learn and practice) can grow significantly with effort. At the same time, research shows that IQ scores can improve with training, such as solving puzzles, practicing IQ tests or reasoning tasks, challenging the idea that IQ is fixed.

What’s the Difference Between the LSAT and IQ Tests?

While the LSAT and IQ tests measure similar abilities, they focus on different things. The LSAT emphasizes legal reasoning, speed, and understanding its specific test format, while IQ tests measure a wider range of abilities, like logical thinking, spatial reasoning, and memory. Additionally, the LSAT is designed specifically for predicting success in law school, whereas IQ tests aim to provide a general measure of intellectual potential.

Does Preparing for the LSAT Increase IQ?

While the LSAT is primarily designed to predict law school success, recent research suggests that preparing for the test may also enhance cognitive abilities and increase IQ. A groundbreaking study conducted by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, revealed that intensive LSAT preparation can lead to measurable changes in brain structure.

The study involved brain scans of 24 college students and recent graduates before and after 100 hours of LSAT study over three months. The results showed increased connectivity between the brain's frontal and parietal lobes, which are the areas associated with reasoning and spatial cognition. Furthermore, this preparation appeared to strengthen circuits that bridge the gap between the brain's left and right hemispheres.

Lead researcher Allyson Mackey noted that the findings demonstrate the malleability of reasoning skills in adults. "We wanted to show that the ability to reason is malleable in adults," Mackey explained, emphasizing that LSAT preparation serves as a form of "reasoning training."

These findings align with the idea that IQ, especially in areas like abstract reasoning and logical analysis, is not fixed but can be improved through targeted cognitive exercises. Thus, studying for the LSAT may function as a form of intellectual enrichment, boosting skills that overlap with those assessed by traditional IQ tests.

Converting an LSAT Score to an IQ Score

When attempting to draw comparisons between LSAT scores and IQ, percentile matching is sometimes used as a reference. This method compares the rarity of LSAT scores within the test-taking population to the rarity of IQ scores in the general population. For example, a score in the 99.9th percentile on the LSAT means only 1 in 1,000 test-takers achieves this score, suggesting a high level of cognitive ability. By aligning these percentiles with the IQ scale, we can approximate an LSAT score's corresponding IQ.

Here's a table that shows estimated IQ scores based on LSAT percentiles, along with their rarity among test-takers:

LSAT Score	Percentile	Estimated IQ	Rarity (1 in X people)
180	99.9th	145	1000
175	99th	135	100
170	97th	130	33
165	93rd	125	14
160	80th	115	5
155	63rd	105	2.5
150	44th	98	1.5
145	26th	90	1.2
140	13th	85	1.1

Note: These conversions are approximate and should be interpreted with caution.

Understanding the Difference Between LSAT and IQ Percentiles

While LSAT percentiles give a sense of how test-takers rank among their peers, they don’t directly translate to IQ percentiles because the groups being measured are different. LSAT scores rank individuals applying to law school, a group that is already academically strong and competitive. In contrast, IQ percentiles measure the general population. This discrepancy means LSAT percentiles might overstate a test-taker's cognitive ranking compared to the broader population.

For example, a 99th percentile LSAT score (achieved by 1 in 100 test-takers) doesn’t necessarily equate to the 99th percentile in IQ, as the pool of law school applicants is not representative of the general population. To draw a meaningful comparison, LSAT percentiles would need to be adjusted to account for the unique characteristics of the test-taking population relative to general IQ norms.

Using High-IQ Society Benchmarks for Normalization

One way to align LSAT percentiles with IQ percentiles is by using benchmarks from high-IQ societies like Mensa. Mensa requires members to score in the top 2% of the population on an IQ test. Interestingly, they accept an LSAT score of 172 or higher as equivalent to this standard.

By using these benchmarks, we can “normalize” LSAT percentiles, giving a clearer picture of how LSAT scores translate to the general population's IQ scale. This adjustment helps bridge the gap between the LSAT’s narrower test-taking audience and the general population measured by IQ tests. Moreover, it ensures a more accurate interpretation of what LSAT scores mean in terms of intellectual ability.

Does a Low LSAT Score Mean Low Intelligence?

A low LSAT score does not mean low intelligence. While the LSAT measures certain cognitive skills like logical reasoning and reading comprehension, it is significantly influenced by many factors beyond intellectual ability. For example, test anxiety, unfamiliarity with the test format, or a lack of preparation can tremendously affect performance. Someone who is highly intelligent may still score poorly due to these external factors.

Additionally, the role of the LSAT is changing, especially with the American Bar Association (ABA) planning to remove the requirement for law school admissions tests starting in the 2026-2027 school year. This shift emphasizes the growing importance of evaluating applicants based on more than just test scores.

The LSAT is also a test where preparation can make a substantial difference. Studies show that many people who start with scores in the low 150s can, with practice and effort, improve into the 160s or even 170s. This suggests that a low initial score often reflects a lack of preparation, motivation, or even familiarity with the test rather than a lack of reasoning skills.

It’s also worth noting that LSAT scores can be affected by small mistakes or time pressure. For example, missing just one or two questions can cause a noticeable drop in score, especially for those performing at very high or low levels. This variability can make standardized testing outcomes less reliable as a sole measure of ability.

Finally, while the LSAT does measure some aspects of intelligence, it doesn’t account for other important qualities like creativity, real-world problem-solving, or interpersonal skills. These are the traits that are critical for success as a lawyer. A low LSAT score doesn’t mean someone lacks the potential to succeed in law school or the legal field, especially if they demonstrate strengths in areas like critical thinking, perseverance, or academic achievement.

What Affects LSAT Performance?

The LSAT measures critical reasoning and analytical skills, but many factors beyond intelligence influence your performance. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Study Habits: Consistent practice, understanding argument structures, managing time effectively, and reviewing mistakes are crucial for improvement. A solid study plan and good resources can make a big difference.
• Educational Background: Exposure to logic-based learning (e.g., philosophy, math), strong reading comprehension skills, and a rigorous academic background can give you an edge. Even without these, focused preparation can close the gap.
• Test-Taking Skills: Familiarity with the LSAT format, strategic guessing, balancing speed and accuracy, and staying calm under pressure are key to success.
• Personal Factors: Physical and mental wellness, test-day conditions, and having a strong support system all play a role in your performance.
• Mindset and Confidence: A positive mindset and belief in participant's ability to improve can significantly impact performance. Managing test anxiety, staying focused, and maintaining confidence throughout the test are crucial for optimal results.

Does LSAT Predict Success in Law School? 

We all know that the LSAT is a big deal when it comes to getting into law school. It’s the one test everyone seems to stress over. But is it really the best way to predict how well someone will do in law school? A study by researchers Alexia Brunet Marks and Scott A. Moss took a closer look at 1,400 law students to figure out what truly predicts law school success, and the results might surprise you…

First, while the LSAT does matter, it’s not the be-all, end-all. Your undergraduate GPA (UGPA) actually has a stronger connection to law school grades. In fact, if you’ve got a high GPA but a lower LSAT score, you’re more likely to perform better in law school than someone with the opposite. Therefore, consistency in your academic record seems to count for more than one test.

Your choice of major can also make a difference! That is because students who majored in STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, or math) or business-related areas like economics or finance tended to do better in law school. These majors seem to teach skills that transfer well to the rigorous reasoning and problem-solving required in legal studies. Basically, it’s almost like adding a bonus of 3–4 points to your LSAT score. On the other hand, traditional pre-law majors like political science or history didn’t show the same advantage.

Another surprising factor is work experience. Having several years of experience, especially in teaching, can give you a boost. People with work experience often come into law school with better time management, problem-solving skills, and maturity. However, not all types of work experience are equal. Public-sector or military roles had somehow mixed results, with some individuals excelling and others struggling. The sweet spot for work experience seems to be 4–9 years, which shows a balance between real-world knowledge and readiness for academic life.

That said, there are some red flags that could impact your performance in law school. A criminal or disciplinary record was shown to negatively affect grades, almost as if it lowered your LSAT score by seven points. While gender gaps in law school performance appear to have evened out, racial disparities in grades remain an issue, pointing to broader systemic challenges.

Meanwhile, timing and trends in your academic record also play a role. If your college grades improved over time, it’s a good sign, but mostly if you’re going straight to law school after undergrad. If you’re a few years out of school, admissions committees might prioritize other factors, like your work experience, letters of recommendation, or personal statement.

So, what does this all mean for you? Law school admissions should be about more than just your LSAT score. Schools should take a closer look at your entire academic history, the major you choose, and what you’ve done outside of school. For applicants, this is a reminder that you’re more than just a number. If you’ve been working hard in a challenging field or gaining real-world experience, you have qualities that could make you a great law student, even if your LSAT score isn’t perfect.

All the studies mentioned above also show why law schools should move toward a more balanced approach to admissions. Relying too much on LSAT scores might overlook candidates who have the skills and determination to succeed in law school and beyond.

In summary, your LSAT score matters, but it’s not the whole story. A strong GPA, meaningful work experience, and a challenging academic background can all make a huge difference. If you’re worried about your LSAT score, remember that admissions committees are starting to look at the bigger picture, and so should you.

What LSAT score gets you into Mensa and other high-IQ societies? 

As mentioned above, high IQ societies, like Mensa International, accept LSAT scores as proof of intellectual ability. Mensa International, but also other organizations bring together people with top scores on IQ and standardized tests, creating a space for those who enjoy intellectual challenges and discussions.

Joining one of these societies can be a great way to connect with like-minded individuals, build meaningful relationships, and engage in thought-provoking conversations. If you love learning, sharing ideas, and exploring new perspectives, being part of a high-IQ society can be both fun and rewarding.

Here's a breakdown of some societies that accept LSAT scores and the qualifying test scores for each of them: 

• Mensa: minimum LSAT score 662 if taken prior to 1982, or the 95th percentile if taken after 1982 (currently equivalent to a score of 170). This means you need to score in the top 5% at LSAT if you want to be eligible to Mensa. 
• Intertel: minimum LSAT qualifying score of 175 scaled score (or 99th percentile)
• Triple Nine Society: you’ll need to absolutely crush the LSAT to join Triple Nine Society as they accept the top 0.1% of all test-takers (99.9th percentile).

Keep in mind that the requirements for each society may evolve over time, so it's important to regularly check their official websites for the most current and accurate information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's a good LSAT score?

The average LSAT score is about 153, meaning half of test-takers score above this and half score below. A score of 162 is strong, placing you in the top 20% of test-takers, while a score of 170 or higher is outstanding, putting you in the top 5%.

For most top law schools, competitive scores range from the mid-to-high 160s. Scoring above 170 can dramatically increase your chances of getting into the most prestigious programs.

What LSAT score do I need to get into one of the top law schools? 

Here are the top law schools with their median LSAT scores for Fall 2023, according to the U.S. News data:

• Yale University: 175 (99.04th percentile)
• Harvard University: 174 (98.66th percentile)
• Columbia University: 173 (98.15th percentile)
• Stanford University: 173 (98.15th percentile)
• University of Chicago: 173 (98.15th percentile)
• Washington University in St. Louis: 173 (98.15th percentile)
• Cornell University: 172 (97.50th percentile)
• New York University: 172 (97.50th percentile)
• Northwestern University: 172 (97.50th percentile)
• University of Pennsylvania: 172 (97.50th percentile)

The national median LSAT score is 153. Therefore, these top law schools have median scores significantly above the national median. While a high LSAT score is essential, it’s not the only factor to get into these schools. Admissions committees also consider undergraduate GPA, personal statements, letters of recommendation, and extracurricular achievements.

Can you improve your LSAT score with practice?

Yes, most LSAT takers see improvement with dedicated practice. Unlike IQ tests, the LSAT tests specific skills that can be developed through study, preparation and being in conditions that truly motivate you. Average improvement ranges from 5-10 points with consistent practice, though results vary by individual.

How does the LSAT compare to other standardized tests, like the SAT or GRE?

The LSAT shares some similarities with tests like the SAT and GRE, such as measuring reasoning and verbal skills. However, the LSAT uniquely focuses on skills relevant to legal reasoning and argumentation. Its correlation with the GRE is high (around 0.85), but preparation impacts LSAT scores more significantly.