What IQ Scores Mean
IQ stands for Intelligence Quotient. It is a score from standardized tests that measures reasoning, problem solving, and pattern recognition relative to age peers. The average score is set at 100, and most tests define above 140 as genius level. Scores depend on the test used, such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale or Stanford-Binet.
People With the Highest Verified IQs
Terence Tao, an Australian-American mathematician, is widely cited with an IQ around 230. Christopher Hirata, a physicist and former child prodigy, is often listed near 225. Kim Ung-Yong, a South Korean civil engineer, is frequently referenced with an IQ near 210. Mislav Predavec, a Croatian mathematician, and Evangelos Katsioulis, a Greek psychiatrist, also appear in many top lists. Other names often mentioned include Ainan Celeste Cawley and Nadia Camm, though exact scores vary by source.
Why IQ Rankings Vary
Different organizations use different tests, age norms, and reporting methods, which can change rankings. Some lists rely on self-reports or media claims rather than supervised testing. For reliable comparisons, scores should come from the same test, administered under standard conditions. The highest scores are rare and usually belong to people who excelled in math, science, or abstract reasoning from a young age.
