What Is The Highest IQ? Top 11 Greatest Minds In The World

IQ has long been a measure of intelligence, with many people holding record scores. This article will explore the highest IQ in the world, along with genius minds and the true meaning of IQ.

What IQ Score Is Considered High?

IQ, which stands for Intelligence Quotient, is a measure of human brain intelligence. A high IQ means that a person has quicker thinking and reflexes compared to those with a lower IQ. Because of this, people often seek ways to calculate their own intelligence score and wonder what IQ score is considered high.

• To answer the question of what is the highest IQ in the world, let's first understand how IQ is measured.
• For the general population, an IQ score typically ranges from 85 to 115.
• People with an IQ score above 115 are considered to have a high IQ.
• On the other hand, those with scores below 85 are considered to have a low IQ.

Top 11 People With The Highest IQ Ever Recorded In The World

Kim Young-Hoon - IQ score 276

Recently, Kim Young-Hoon in South Korea is the person with the highest IQ on record. WMSC has revealed his IQ reached an impressive score of 276 at the World Memory Championship. Not only that, he also came from the prestigious Yonsei University in Seoul.

Kim has given an exclusive interview with Dan Walkerford for this distinct IQ score. Readers Digest also honored him as having the highest IQ in the world. Because of this high intelligence, Kim aims to use it for global intellectual development. 

William James Sides - IQ score 250-300

William James Sides will make you feel in awe with his intelligence. Reported to have an IQ between 250 and 300, he was the youngest student to ever enter Harvard University. At the age of 11, he showed exceptional ability in advanced maths and linguistics. 

Yet, he lived a tragic life in socialist movements. This led to his parents having him admitted to a mental health facility for re-education. After his release in 1921, Sides no longer followed maths and science but lived in seclusion instead.

At 46, Sides passed away with a brain hemorrhage. This marks the end of the turbulent life of a genius once considered the most promising in the world. 

Terence Tao - IQ score 230

Terence Tao, ranked third, is an Australian-born mathematician of Hong Kong descent, known for his exceptional talent from a young age. He specializes in areas like harmonic analysis and combinatorics.

In 2006, he won the Fields Medal, a prestigious award for mathematicians under 40. He now teaches at UCLA.

Marilyn Vos Savant - IQ score 228

Who is the woman with the highest IQ? Marilyn Vos Savant, born in 1946, became synonymous in her middle years with her intellect. In 1980, Guinness World Records recognized her IQ to be the highest ever recorded.

This event made her a household name author. Her works such as Ask Marilyn and Annie's Mailbox enabled readers to send questions for her responses. 

Want To Know More About Your IQ Score? Take The Free IQ Test Now!

Christopher Hirata - IQ score 225

Ranked fifth is Christopher Hirata, a brilliant prodigy who won a gold medal in the International Physics Olympiad in 1996 at just 13 years old. Christopher Hirata attended the California Institute of Technology at the age of 14.

He later earned a Ph.D. from Princeton University at the age of 22. Hirata became an astronomy professor at the California Institute of Technology and has continued his work there ever since.

Kim Ung-Yong - IQ score 210

Kim Ung-Yong, born in 1963 in South Korea, is a natural-born genius. At just 6 months old, he could speak, and by age 3, he was able to read multiple languages. Due to his extraordinary talent, he worked for NASA for over 10 years. 

However, life at NASA did not bring him fulfillment, so he decided to return to South Korea. He chose to become a teacher and live a simple life.

Read More: What are assessment tools besides IQ test? Find out now!

Garry Kasparov - IQ score 194

Garry Kasparov is a Russian chess legend, regarded as one of the greatest chess players of all time. From 1986 to 2005, he dominated the chess world with the world championship title from 1985 to 1993.

Kasparov is not only famous for his achievements in chess but also for his political activities. He is known for his historic confrontation with IBM's supercomputer Deep Blue. He also strongly supports the opposition in Russia under Vladimir Putin.

With an IQ of 194, he is among the top geniuses on the planet. Kasparov has since retired and serves as a board member of the Human Rights Foundation.

Read More: Which country has the highest IQ in the world?

Leonardo da Vinci - IQ score 180-190

Like Albert Einstein, Leonardo's IQ remains a question among experts. The lack of measurement methods at the time could not pinpoint his exact score.

Yet, based on his historical achievements, especially in painting, experts estimate his IQ to be between 180-190. With his vast knowledge, Leonardo da Vinci is considered one of those with the highest IQ in the world.

He is known as a 'Renaissance Man' for his talents in many fields, including painting, sculpture, music, mathematics, engineering, geology, cartography, and literature.

Judit Polgar - IQ score 170

Chess is a sport that requires exceptional intelligence. Top chess players often have high IQs. Many of the smartest people across the globe are drawn to this strategic and prestigious game.

Judit Polgar is recognized as the greatest female chess player of all time. She became a grandmaster at just over 15 years old, setting the record for the youngest grandmaster at the time. She was also one of the first female grandmasters and the first woman to defeat the chess legend Garry Kasparov. She continues to impress with her remarkable winning streak.

Test yourself: Are you left-brained or right-brained? 

Albert Einstein - IQ score 160-190

What is the highest IQ in the world? We can't forget the scientific genius, Albert Einstein. Although his IQ was never precisely determined because he did not take any IQ tests, IQ experts estimate it to range from 160 to 190.

Albert Einstein, born in 1879 in Germany, is widely known for developing the theory of relativity, one of the two key pillars that shaped modern physics knowledge.

He also contributed to the research on nuclear fission reactions. However, he was concerned when this technology was used to create nuclear weapons, particularly the atomic bomb. Albert Einstein passed away in 1955 due to an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Stephen Hawking - IQ score 160

Stephen Hawking was a British scientist specializing in theoretical physics and cosmology. He made significant discoveries that helped clarify the nature of black holes and the formation of the universe.

At 17, he began studying at Oxford University. Despite being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and relying on a wheelchair for most of his life, he never stopped exploring and conducting scientific research. He published many famous works, including A Brief History of Time, a bestselling book with over 10 million copies sold globally.

His contributions to theoretical physics have been widely recognized. They brought groundbreaking advances and changed humanity's understanding of the universe.

How To Improve Your IQ Score?

IQ is not a fixed number; it can change over time. Here are some ways to effectively increase your IQ:

Brain exercises to enhance intelligence

• Solving puzzles and logic games. Sudoku, chess, or brain teasers help stimulate the brain.
• Learning a new language. This improves memory, critical thinking, and strengthens neural connections.
• Training mathematical thinking. Solving problems, analyzing data, or learning programming helps the brain work more flexibly.
• Reading books and expanding knowledge. Gaining new knowledge helps the brain process information faster and enhances analytical abilities.
• Meditation and improving concentration. Meditation boosts memory, reduces stress, and improves work performance.

Explore your thinking abilities through the Free IQ Test!

Habits to boost intelligence

• Get enough sleep. Quality sleep improves thinking, memory, and creativity.
• Exercise regularly. Physical activity stimulates the production of new brain cells, helping the brain function more effectively.
• Eat a balanced diet. A diet rich in omega-3, B vitamins, and antioxidants promotes brain development.
• Maintain critical thinking. Always ask questions and seek information from various sources to broaden your understanding.

The impact of environment and education on IQ

• Family and education background. Children who have access to quality education early tend to have higher IQs.
• Social influence. A positive, interactive environment helps stimulate brain development.
• Technology and information. Proper access to technology enhances thinking and creativity.

Final Thoughts

Through this article from discpersonalities.com, we now know the highest IQ in the world. IQ represents the ability to think, analyze, and solve problems. While it can be improved through training, IQ does not solely determine success. What matters most is how individuals apply their intelligence to achieve success and create value in life.

discpersonalities.com is always here to support you in self-discovery through the DISC test. We'll help you identify IQ scores and provide specific strategies to develop intellectual abilities.

FAQs

1. Can IQ Score Change Over Time?

Yes, IQ is not a fixed number and can change over time. Learning, intellectual training, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help improve IQ.

2. What Factors Influence IQ Measurement?

IQ is influenced by many factors such as genetics, environment, education, and nutrition. A balanced diet, support from family, and good learning opportunities can help enhance IQ.

3. Is a High IQ Related to Happiness and Quality of Life?

A high IQ helps with faster learning, but it doesn't guarantee happiness. Quality of life also depends on factors like emotional intelligence (EQ), communication skills, social relationships, and emotional management.