What Is The Highest Score In An Iq Test

Ever wondered who's got the brain of Albert Einstein or Stephen Hawking? The IQ test, that trusty old measure of intelligence, has been around since the early 20th century, and it's still the go-to way to find out if you're a genius. But what's the highest score you can get, and who's actually achieved it?

So, What's the Highest IQ Score?

The IQ test is scored on a bell curve, with an average score of 100. The highest possible score is 200, but reaching that mark is about as likely as finding a four-leaf clover while wearing a full suit of armor.

According to the World Genius Directory, the highest verified IQ score is 228. That's right, 228. It belongs to Terence Tao, an Australian-American mathematician who's been described as the "Mozart of Math." But here's the thing: Tao took the test when he was just a kid, and he's since said he doesn't think his IQ is that high anymore. So, take that with a grain of salt.

IQ Tests: A Brief History

IQ tests were first developed by French psychologist Alfred Binet in the early 1900s. He wanted a way to identify children who needed extra help in school. The term "IQ" itself comes from the German word "Intelligenzquotient," which was coined by psychologist William Stern in 1912.

Over the years, IQ tests have evolved and been revised many times. Today, the most widely used tests are the Stanford-Binet and the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS). But remember, IQ tests only measure a certain kind of intelligence - the kind that's good at solving puzzles and answering questions. They don't tell you how creative, empathetic, or emotionally intelligent you are.

Famous High IQ Scores

While we might not know anyone with an IQ of 228, there are plenty of famous folks with impressive IQ scores. Here are a few:

The Highest IQ Scores Ever Recorded As of 2025

• Stephen Hawking - The renowned physicist had an IQ of 160.
• Albert Einstein - The genius behind the theory of relativity had an estimated IQ of 160.
• Maria Sharapova - The tennis superstar has an IQ of 175. Who knew?
• Quentin Tarantino - The filmmaker has an IQ of 160. Maybe that's why his movies are so smart.

Can You Boost Your IQ?

While you might not be able to reach the IQ heights of Terence Tao, there are ways to improve your cognitive abilities. Studies have shown that regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate sleep can all boost your brain power. Plus, learning new skills and challenging your brain with puzzles and games can help keep your mind sharp.

And here's a fun fact: Bilingual people tend to have higher IQs than monolingual folks. So, if you've been meaning to learn a new language, now's the time!

IQ Tests: More Than Just a Number

At the end of the day, an IQ score is just a number. It doesn't define you or your potential. As Einstein himself once said, "Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing it's stupid."

So, whether you're a genius or just a regular ol' human, embrace your brain and all its quirks. After all, it's the only one you've got. And who knows? Maybe you're the next Terence Tao. Or maybe you're just you, and that's pretty great too.