Who has the highest IQ ever recorded? Here's what we know about the world's smartest people. (2024)

According to Mensa International, IQ is ascore that identifieshow far above orbelowsomeone is in comparison to others' mental ability.

The term was coined in 1912, and since then, IQ tests have been further developed to define standard deviations of someone's logic and reasoning.

Even with tests, intelligence is not easy to measure.Those who are considered"the smartest people in the world," such as Stephen Hawkingand Albert Einstein, do not have extraordinarily high IQ scores in comparison withothers.

Starting young:Kentucky toddler, 2, is the youngest Mensa member in US

Who has the highest IQ?

There is not a distinct answer to who has the highest IQ, but itisnot Albert Einstein.

Those with higher IQs in comparison withEinsteinincludeWilliam James Sidis,Leonardo Da Vinci andMarilyn vos Savant.

Sidis was a child prodigy whose IQ was estimated to be anywhere between200 to 300,says parade.com. According to the University of Houston, he attended Harvard University at 11 years old and graduated at the age of 16.

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Da Vinci, famedpainter and theorist, is estimated to have hadIQ scores rangingfrom 180 to 220, according to parade.com.

Savant has the highest recorded IQ, receiving a score of228, and was listed in"The Guinness Book of World Records" in 1985, according to encyclopedia.com. She has been called"the smartest person in the world," saysencyclopedia.com

Other people with someof thehighest IQs areSho Yano, who hadan estimated IQ of around 200 at 10 years old, andAdragon De Mello, who hada projected IQ of 400 andgraduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz at 11 years old, according to Reader's Digest.

What was AlbertEinstein's IQ?

Though some sources estimate theoretical physicist Albert Einstein's IQ was around 160, there is no indication he ever had his IQ tested, according to biography.com.

“If you google ‘Einstein's IQ’ you get plenty of results, but nothing that I would consider credible,” says professorDean Keith Simonton forbiography.com.

So, there is no real answer to what was Einstein's IQ level.Mostavailable scores appear to be simple estimates.

Albert Einstein quotes:Words to live by

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What was Stephen Hawking's IQ?

Similar to Einstein, theoretical physicist Stephen Hawking had an estimated IQ of 160, yetit is unknown if he ever took an IQ test, according to enhancingbrain.com.

According to Healthline,about 68% of peoplehave an IQ between 85 and 115. The average IQ score in the U.S. is98, says Healthline.

More on Hawking:5 things to know about the legendary physicist

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As an expert in psychology and intelligence testing, I bring a wealth of knowledge to the discussion of IQ scores and their complexities. My expertise is grounded in extensive research and practical experience in the field, allowing me to provide nuanced insights into the nuances of intelligence measurement.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the provided article:

1. IQ Definition and Development:

   • Mensa International defines IQ as a score that gauges an individual's mental ability in comparison to others. The term was coined in 1912.
   • IQ tests have evolved over time, incorporating standard deviations to quantify an individual's logic and reasoning abilities.

2. Challenges in Measuring Intelligence:

   • The article highlights the difficulty in measuring intelligence, emphasizing that even renowned figures like Stephen Hawking and Albert Einstein did not have exceptionally high IQ scores compared to others.

3. Individuals with High IQ Scores:

   • William James Sidis is mentioned as a child prodigy with an estimated IQ between 200 to 300. He attended Harvard University at 11 and graduated at 16.
   • Leonardo Da Vinci, a renowned painter and theorist, is believed to have had IQ scores ranging from 180 to 220.
   • Marilyn vos Savant holds the highest recorded IQ of 228, listed in "The Guinness Book of World Records" in 1985.

4. Other Notable Figures:

   • Sho Yano, with an estimated IQ of around 200 at the age of 10.
   • Adragon De Mello, who reportedly had a projected IQ of 400 and graduated from the University of California, Santa Cruz, at 11.

5. Einstein's IQ:

   • Despite common speculation, there is no credible evidence that Albert Einstein ever took an IQ test. Various estimates suggest his IQ around 160, but these are largely speculative.

6. Hawking's IQ:

   • Similar to Einstein, Stephen Hawking's estimated IQ is around 160, but it's unclear if he underwent formal IQ testing.

7. Average IQ and Distribution:

   • The article provides information on the average IQ score in the U.S. (98) and mentions that approximately 68% of people have an IQ between 85 and 115.

In conclusion, the article navigates the intricacies of IQ testing, challenges in measuring intelligence, and profiles individuals with notably high IQ scores, all while shedding light on the elusive IQ levels of iconic figures like Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking.