Low average
Below the central range, but within the broad average band on most tests.
What this band represents
The low-average band covers the lower half of the average range. People in this band can complete most everyday cognitive tasks reliably; they may simply need more time, more practice, or more explicit instruction than someone in the higher bands. The label 'low-average' is statistical, not evaluative — it describes a position on a distribution, not a person's worth or potential.
Important context
Many highly accomplished adults score in this band on at least one cognitive subtest. The construct of 'general intelligence' tends to obscure the fact that real-world success draws on dozens of distinct abilities, only some of which a 25-item test can measure. Conscientiousness, motivation, social skill, and domain-specific expertise routinely outweigh small differences in g for predicting life outcomes.
A note of caution. A screener result is a snapshot, not a verdict. Sustained effort produces measurable gains on some cognitive tasks (especially crystallized abilities such as vocabulary).
How this band sits in the population
- Score range: 80–89
- Percentile range: 9th–24th percentile
- Population frequency: Roughly 16% of the population
- z-score range: z -1.33 to -0.73
Frequently asked questions about this band
- What is a "good" IQ score?
- How accurate are online IQ tests?
- Can IQ be improved with practice?
- Why did I get different scores on different IQ tests?