Average IQ Trends by Age
A rough guide to how average IQ, processing speed, and memory tend to change across age groups, with an explanation of the difference between fluid and crystallized intelligence.
Fluid intelligenceCrystallized intelligenceProcessing speed
- TeensFluid 102 ／ Crystallized 92 ／ Processing speed 105
- 20sFluid 105 ／ Crystallized 98 ／ Processing speed 108
- 30sFluid 101 ／ Crystallized 103 ／ Processing speed 102
- 40sFluid 97 ／ Crystallized 106 ／ Processing speed 96
- 50sFluid 93 ／ Crystallized 108 ／ Processing speed 90
- 60s+Fluid 88 ／ Crystallized 107 ／ Processing speed 83
Fluid intelligence (the ability to solve novel problems) tends to peak at a young age, while crystallized intelligence (knowledge and vocabulary) tends to grow with age. Values are indicative trends expressed on the mean-100, SD-15 scale.
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Measure yours too →* Figures are estimates and illustrative values based on a normal distribution model and general findings. They are not aggregated from actual test-taker data.