Are IQ tests a legit way to measure intelligence?Discover the mystery behind Einstein's IQ and learn how to supersize yours to unleash your superbrain (2024)

There are ridiculously smart people out there. Many intelligence tests rank people with scores of 145 and above in the 99th percentile of the population.

There’s no shortage of comparisons between those in the 99th percentile and one of the most famous scientists of all time.

So, as curious minds want to know, what was Albert Einstein’s IQ?

Are IQ tests a legit way to measure intelligence?Discover the mystery behind Einstein's IQ and learn how to supersize yours to unleash your superbrain (1)

Who Was Albert Einstein?

Albert Einstein was a theoretical physicist of the last century. He is best known for the theory of relativity, which gave birth to the famous mass–energy equivalence formula E = mc2. He also made important contributions to quantum mechanics and received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1921.

Einstein’s intellectual achievements and eccentric character have made him synonymous with genius, and this is why phrases like “as smart as Einstein” exist to this day.

Are IQ tests a legit way to measure intelligence?Discover the mystery behind Einstein's IQ and learn how to supersize yours to unleash your superbrain (2)

Albert Einstein’s biography

Einstein was born in Germany on March 14, 1879, to secular Jewish parents. In his school years, he received advanced primary and secondary education. From an early age, he was very good at physics and mathematics and showed signs of a very bright mind.

Here are a few highlights from his life:

  • 1900: He graduated from the Federal Polytechnic School in 1900. However, despite his academic qualifications, he couldn’t find a teaching position and eventually found work at the Patent Office a little later. At the same time, he was working on his scientific papers and managed to publish some. This includes his doctoral dissertation on molecular physics and his special theory of relativity, reintroducing the relationship between space and time.

  • 1908: His academic career began with teaching positions and professorships at various institutions such as the University of Bern, the University of Zurich, and the German Charles-Ferdinand University in Prague.

  • 1915: He published the general theory of relativity which shook the foundations of theoretical physics, astronomy, and science as a whole.

  • 1921: He received the Nobel Prize in Physics for his services to theoretical physics. And that includes his discovery of the law of the photoelectric effect.

But Einstein was even more than a brilliant scientist. He was a thoughtful commentator on subjects including Zionism, war, and philosophy. His most notable published non-scientific works are “My Philosophy” and “Out of My Later Years.”

In 1955, Einstein passed away. Many decades later, his legacy continues to inspire scientists, thinkers, and dreamers to this day.

Are IQ tests a legit way to measure intelligence?Discover the mystery behind Einstein's IQ and learn how to supersize yours to unleash your superbrain (3)

What Is the IQ of a Genius?

Many people equate IQ points with intelligence and higher brain functions. But they’re simply not the same thing.

So, what is intelligence? Well, we could define intelligence as the brain’s ability to gather and apply different forms of knowledge.

Intelligence tests, such as the Cattell III B and Stanford-Binet can measure intelligence, but it’s important to note that they are only capable of measuring a few forms of intelligence. In fact, some scholars suggest that we actually possess nine differenttypes of intelligence.

These tests dictate that the maximum attainable IQ is about 170. But there are also individuals with IQ levels of 200 and above.

Today, having an IQ between 90-110 is regarded asaverage intelligence, and the majority of the world falls into this category. But anything above 145 IQ points is considered genius-level intellect.

And if we push even higher? Well, this is the realm of the IQ levels of geniuses likeGarry Kasparov, Stephen Hawking, and Einstein himself

What Is the Highest Possible IQ?

What was the IQ of Albert Einstein?Sourcesusually put his IQ at 160. Thehighest possible attainable IQalso hovers between the 160-170 range. But there have been people with a supposed IQ above 200.

Who could possibly have an IQ above 200? If we trace back through the history books, the names of a number of individuals come to mind.

Marilyn vos Savant, an American author and lecturer, is said to hold a record-breaking IQ of 228 points, as recorded by the Guinness Book of World Records.

The question is: Is there anyone alive today who can break that record?

Are IQ tests a legit way to measure intelligence?Discover the mystery behind Einstein's IQ and learn how to supersize yours to unleash your superbrain (4)

What Was Einstein’s IQ?

His theories rocked the scientific world, and his name is now synonymous with “genius.” But how did he get that way?

According toresearch, Einstein’s brain had more glial cells compared to neurons, especially in the left inferior parietal area of his brain. This region is responsible for synthesizing information from different areas of the brain. The glial cells’ job is to speed communication between neurons, so the more you have, the higher your overall cognitive capacity is.

The thing is, Einstein never took an IQ test in his lifetime. Without any definitive answer, his probable score can still be estimated. He was brilliant, no doubt about it, so where does that put his IQ?

Most theorists peg Einstein’s IQ score between 160-190.

Because he never took any kind of test to measure his intelligence, the definite score is still a mystery. But without a doubt, he was a brilliant man with an incredible brain.

Are IQ tests a legit way to measure intelligence?Discover the mystery behind Einstein's IQ and learn how to supersize yours to unleash your superbrain (5)

Who Has the Highest IQ in the World Today?

The highest IQ recorded today belongs toTerrence Taowith an IQ of 230.

Terrence lives up to his staggering IQ results. He acquired his Ph.D. at the age of 20 and went on to become the youngest professor at UCLA by the time he turned 24.

But IQ isn’t the be-all-end-all when it comes to measuring intelligence. And IQ is definitely not the only indication of future success.

All our lives, we’ve been sold the lie that our intelligence, our potential, learning, and memory is somehow fixed, like a shoe size.

But this simply isn’t true.

The true path to success lies in challenging your mind. The more experiences you have, the more you learn. And according tofazil,, learning is your true superpower.

IQ tests are an interesting way to measure certain types of intelligence. However, there are many different forms of intelligence we’re only just beginning to learn about.

Unlocking Einstein’s IQ Enigma

Having said all this about Einstein and the human intelligence, it should be stated that IQ is only one of the brain’s properties. It’s a good indication of your smarts, but not good enough. Your capabilities and potential extend far beyond what a single test can reveal.

In other words, your mental capabilities are not “fixed.” Anyone has the power to unlock their brain and enhance their cognitive abilities—and so can you.

This exclusive 82-minute masterclass is jam-packed with powerful hacks and techniques to learn faster, comprehend more, and forget less. With Jim Kwik guiding you through, you’ll learn how to:

  • Clear up “mental fog,”
  • Activate untapped areas of your brain,
  • Optimize your brain’s ability with the perfect morning routine, and
  • So much more.

As Fazil says,“It’s not about mental intelligence, it’s about mental fitness.”And you can retrain your brain to transform your life too, starting today.

Welcome in.

Are IQ tests a legit way to measure intelligence?Discover the mystery behind Einstein's IQ and learn how to supersize yours to unleash your superbrain (2024)

FAQs

Are IQ tests a legit way to measure intelligence?Discover the mystery behind Einstein's IQ and learn how to supersize yours to unleash your superbrain? ›

It's a good indication of your smarts, but not good enough. Your capabilities and potential extend far beyond what a single test can reveal. In other words, your mental capabilities are not “fixed.” Anyone has the power to unlock their brain and enhance their cognitive abilities—and so can you.

Is IQ a legitimate measure of intelligence? ›

According to Weiten, "IQ tests are valid measures of the kind of intelligence necessary to do well in academic work. But if the purpose is to assess intelligence in a broader sense, the validity of IQ tests is questionable." Some scientists have disputed the value of IQ as a measure of intelligence altogether.

Did Einstein actually do an IQ test? ›

Many cite extremely high IQ scores when referring to their genius — numbers ranging upwards of 160 or more. But in truth, neither Einstein nor Newton ever sat for a formal, scientifically-validated intelligence test.

Do psychologists agree that IQ tests actually measure intelligence? ›

IQ tests are among the most administered psychological tests. That being said, while IQ scores can determine intellectual potential or someone's expected capabilities, it doesn't necessarily mean they're smart.

Why IQ tests are misleading? ›

Additionally, IQ tests are unable to measure variable aspects of intelligence like emotional and social intelligence. Both of these are crucial factors in assessing an individual's potential for success, but they are not tested in IQ tests.

What is Elon Musk's IQ? ›

IQ tests provide insight into an individual's cognitive ability. As mentioned earlier, Elon Musk's IQ score is believed to be between 155 and 160. Above-average IQ scores within this range are only reserved for the "Highly Gifted" IQ classification.

Is the IQ exam legit? ›

Your IQ test score actually reflects how well you do in various mental activities, and therefore, can be a good criterion to know if you can be successful in a specific field of study. The results from an IQ test should be analyzed carefully, but a score between 90 and 109 indicates average intelligence.

What is a major criticism of IQ tests? ›

A major disadvantage of intelligence tests is that they can be relative in nature. They also do not measure other factors of intelligence including emotional intelligence, social skills, moral development, and motivation.

Do tests accurately measure intelligence? ›

Intelligence is a complex and multifaceted concept, and there is ongoing debate and exploration within the field of psychology regarding its nature and diversity. Our key point is that standardised tests solely measure one facet of intelligence, specifically memory, and fail to assess other forms of intelligence.

Who has the highest IQ in the world? ›

YoungHoon Kim, IQ 276

As of 2024, the highest recorded IQ score belongs to YoungHoon Kim from South Korea, with an IQ of 276. This score is verified by multiple organizations, including the Korea Record Institute, World Genius Directory, Global Genius Registry, Esoteriq Society, and GIGA Society.

What is the dark side of IQ tests? ›

Many people object to intelligence tests. Some say IQ test scores are too often abused. They says it's unfair that when children “fail” these tests it can mean they receive a worse secondary education than their more successful peers – sentencing them to a lifetime of disadvantage.

What is the truth about IQ tests? ›

IQ tests have been used historically to discriminate against certain groups, such as people of color and individuals with disabilities. Additionally, IQ tests may not accurately measure intelligence in individuals from different cultural backgrounds, which can lead to unfair outcomes.

What do scientists think of IQ tests? ›

Researchers find the IQ tests inadequate in accounting for performance on even cognitively loaded aspects of an individual's mental life.

Is an IQ test considered if it actually tests intelligence? ›

An IQ test is considered valid if it actually tests cognitive ability. Validity is an important aspect of any psychological test, including IQ tests. It refers to the degree to which a test measures what it is intended to measure.

What is the true measure of intelligence? ›

Knowledge is power, but non-action is a dangerous vice.

Napoleon Hill, best known for his book Think and Grow Rich once said what truly defines intelligence is not just knowledge or brainpower but the ability to take action. “Action is the real measure of intelligence,” he famously said.

Does IQ equal intelligence? ›

Intelligence is not quite the same as IQ, although people use the terms interchangeably. IQ, which stands for "Intelligence Quotient," is a score determined by an IQ test. IQ tests are designed to measure a person's intelligence, a general ability.

What is the bias in IQ tests? ›

Intelligence tests contain cultural bias—they contain a strong bias that is in favor White, middle class groups; for example: (a) the tests measure knowledge and content that are more familiar to White, middle class Page 22 6 students than to diverse students; (b) the language on these tests is more familiar to White, ...

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