What IQ do you need for Mensa?

Mensa is the largest and oldest high-IQ society. Its entry rule is simple: you need a score at or above the 98th percentile on an approved, supervised intelligence test. In other words, a score higher than about 98% of people.

The cutoff in IQ points

The 98th percentile is always the target, but tests report it on different scales. What matters is the scale’s standard deviation (SD):

So a claim like “you need 148 for Mensa” and “you need 130 for Mensa” can both be right. They describe the same level of performance on different scales. See the IQ scale explained for how percentiles work.

How to qualify

• Sit a supervised test. National Mensa groups run their own supervised admission tests.
• Or submit a prior score. Many groups also accept results from certain approved tests you have already taken under supervision, such as some professional IQ assessments.
• Online tests don’t count. Results from unsupervised online tests, including ours, aren’t accepted as evidence.

Rules differ slightly between countries, so check your national Mensa website for the current details.

Is it worth trying?

An online test is a quick, free way to see roughly where you stand before booking a supervised test. If your estimate is 125 or higher, you have a realistic chance. If it is lower, practising with similar puzzles and re-testing on a rested day can help you see whether your first result was typical.