Can You Raise Your IQ? An Honest Look at Training and Its Limits

"How to raise your IQ" is a perennially popular search, and the internet is full of exaggerated claims about it. This article sorts out what actually improves and what does not, following the general direction of the research.

The short answer: task scores improve; raising g substantially is hard

Your score on an IQ test can rise to some degree through familiarity with that type of problem (practice effects). On the other hand, there is currently little strong evidence that short-term training can substantially and durably raise general intelligence — the g factor — which is considered the core of intelligence. The starting point is to separate "raising a score" from "raising intelligence itself."

The transfer problem with brain training

Working-memory training such as n-back tasks reliably improves performance on the trained task itself. The question is how far that improvement carries over to other tasks and everyday intellectual activity (transfer). The mainstream finding is that near transfer (to similar tasks) occurs, while far transfer to intelligence in general is limited. For a realistic way to use working-memory training, see how to train your working memory.

Factors that genuinely matter

Less flashy, but comparatively well supported: years of education are repeatedly reported to be associated with IQ scores; adequate sleep directly affects reasoning and memory performance; and aerobic exercise is associated with maintaining cognitive function. Getting familiar with test formats is also a legitimate form of preparation, in the sense of letting you show your real ability. Knowing solution patterns like tips for matrix reasoning and how to solve number sequence problems makes that familiarity efficient.

Know how age and intelligence relate

Fluid intelligence — solving novel problems — tends to peak early in life, while crystallized intelligence — using knowledge and vocabulary — keeps growing into middle age and beyond. See the difference between fluid and crystallized intelligence for details. Rather than lumping everything under "raising IQ," it is more realistic to decide which ability you want to use, and how.

Summary: measure, practice, maintain

Instead of chasing inflated promises, a realistic cycle is: (1) measure where you stand, (2) get fluent in the solution patterns of your weaker areas, and (3) maintain the cognitive foundation with sleep and exercise. Start with the free IQ test to measure your tendencies across four domains and find where to improve.