Global Average IQ

Last updated: January 18, 2026

100

points

The global average IQ is set at 100 by definition, as IQ tests are normed to this baseline. However, measured averages vary by country from roughly 65 to 108.

Country	Value (points) ↓	Source
Singapore	107.1	Lynn & Vanhanen
Japan	106.5	Lynn & Vanhanen
South Korea	106	Lynn & Vanhanen
China	104.1	Lynn & Vanhanen
Germany	100.7	Lynn & Vanhanen
Netherlands	100.4	Lynn & Vanhanen
Australia	99.2	Lynn & Vanhanen
United Kingdom	99.1	Lynn & Vanhanen
Canada	99	Lynn & Vanhanen
France	98.1	Lynn & Vanhanen
United States	97.4	Lynn & Vanhanen
Russia	96	Lynn & Vanhanen
Brazil	87	Lynn & Vanhanen
United Arab Emirates	84	Lynn & Vanhanen
Saudi Arabia	83	Lynn & Vanhanen
India	82	Lynn & Vanhanen
Pakistan	80	Lynn & Vanhanen
Nigeria	71	Lynn & Vanhanen

Why This Average Exists

IQ scores are used in psychology and education to measure cognitive ability relative to a population norm. The global average serves as the calibration point.

Factors That Affect Global Average IQ

Education quality
Nutrition in childhood
Healthcare access
Environmental factors
Test design biases
The Flynn Effect

Methodology & Data Sources

The data presented on this page is compiled from publicly available datasets published by international organizations including the World Bank, World Health Organization (WHO), International Labour Organization (ILO), United Nations, NASA, and national statistical agencies.

Global averages are calculated using population-weighted or arithmetic means depending on the metric. Country-level data reflects the most recent available figures, typically from 2023–2024. Where gaps exist, the latest available data point is used.

All figures are subject to revision as source organizations update their datasets. For the most authoritative data, we encourage consulting the original sources linked in the table above.

Global Average IQ