What the IQ 85 Means & The 4 Most Suitable Career Choices

An IQ of 85, positioned at the lower end of average intelligence, may indicate greater difficulty in processing certain information or understanding complex concepts.

However, people with this intelligence level can still live fulfilling lives, and they rarely struggle to perform everyday tasks or communicate with others.

To gain a better understanding of an IQ of 85, we’ve consulted our experts and found out what it means, how it manifests itself, what people with this intelligence are capable of, and which careers typically suit them.

In this article, we will review our discoveries.

Key Takeaways

• An IQ of 85 is at the lower end of the average intelligence spectrum, meaning that your cognition is somewhat less developed than what’s normal for your age.
• People with an IQ of 85 are usually slower learners who need more time to process information and build logical connections between different concepts.
• However, an IQ of 85 isn’t necessarily bad—people with this score are great team players, generally well-adjusted, and have the potential to be successful.
• People with an IQ of 85 make excellent car wash attendants, assembly line workers, delivery drivers, and food service workers.

The Average IQ: Explained

The average IQ is considered to be any score between 85 and 115 since the majority of the population scores in this range. However, the true average is 100, which indicates you’re precisely in the middle of the IQ scale.

On most standardized IQ tests, the IQ scale ranges from the lowest score of 40 to the highest IQ of 160. Of course, intelligence isn’t limited to this scale, but a typical IQ test can’t accurately measure scores lower than 40 and higher than 160.

To understand why that’s the case, you must first know how IQ scores are calculated.

After you complete an IQ test, your performance is compared to that of your peers and expressed in percentages. Then, these percentages are transformed into a corresponding IQ score.

So, for example, if you perform better than 99.99% of people, you’ll be in the 99.99th percentile, otherwise known as an IQ of 160. This score represents Einstein’s IQ and is exceptionally high and rare.

But what happens if your IQ score is 170? Well, you’ll belong to the 99.9998th percentile, which is somewhat higher than the percentile corresponding to an IQ of 160. However, since the difference is so minuscule, it’s impossible for current IQ tests to actually pick up on it.

Assess Your IQ: Is It Above Average?

If you’re curious about your position on the IQ scale, take IQtest.net, our expertly designed IQ test that uses the latest psychometric methods to calculate your score with precision and accuracy typically encountered only in standardized tests.

But unlike standardized tests, our IQ test is free, allowing you to retake it as many times as you want. Therefore, you can use it as a practice tool as well as a form of brain exercise that targets and improves specific areas of cognition and helps you keep track of your progress.

What Does IQ 85 Mean & How Good Is It?

What Does IQ 85 Mean & How Good Is It?

An IQ of 85 means that your intelligence is on the lower end of the average—in other words, you can perform most regular tasks and function normally in society. Still, you might need more time to pick up certain skills and understand more complex concepts.

To illustrate this better, we’ll use the outdated concept of mental age, which was first introduced and used by Alfred Binet, the creator of the first IQ test.

Namely, Binet calculated IQ by dividing the estimated mental age by the test taker’s actual age, then multiplying the result by 100. Using this formula, we can also determine mental age if we know the test taker’s actual age and IQ.

So, a 10-year-old with an IQ of 85 has a mental age of a little over eight. That means they are somewhat less cognitively developed than their peers, but not so much that it would severely impact their lives.

Nowadays, a more popular way to describe what a specific IQ score means is using percentiles. An IQ of 85 is in the 15.86th percentile, indicating that they’ve performed worse than most of their peers on an IQ test.

Capabilities of People With an IQ of 85

Despite their worse performance on an IQ test, people with an IQ of 85 are often just as capable as those with a higher score. They may need more time to process information and draw conclusions, but they can certainly do it if they put in enough effort.

In fact, here are some capabilities characteristic of an IQ of 85:

• Generally well-adjusted. Belonging to the lower average of the IQ scale, people with an IQ of 85 tend to function well in society. Their cognition is developed enough to allow them to perform most regular tasks and not interfere with interpersonal communication.
• Solid team players. People with an IQ of 85 typically work well in a team since it provides the support and stability that those with this intelligence level often seek. Even if they can’t grasp all the information quickly, other team members can guide them and help them perform better.
• Potential for good academic and professional performance. Although success in school or at work doesn’t come quite naturally to those with an IQ of 85, it’s certainly not out of reach. People with this score can exceed everyone’s expectations, especially if they work hard on developing their skills.

Best Jobs for People With an IQ of 85

Although people with an IQ of 85 may struggle in cognitively challenging jobs that involve dealing with complicated abstract concepts and relationships between them, they can perform well in most regular jobs.

Of course, their performance largely depends on the effort they’re willing to put in—if they try hard enough, they may even do well in a field seemingly out of their reach.

That being said, here are four jobs suitable for an IQ of 85.

#1. Car Wash Attendant

IQ 85 Career - Wash Attendant

As their name suggests, car wash attendants work in car wash businesses and thoroughly clean the interior and exterior of various vehicles. Their primary responsibilities include using the correct washing equipment, drying and waxing the exterior, and performing minor maintenance tasks.

Though this may seem like a fairly simple job, car wash attendants must have a great work ethic and excellent interpersonal skills as they communicate with clients daily.

In addition, they should have a good eye for detail and high stamina, as some cleaning jobs can be physically demanding. The ability to work independently is also essential, as their manager is unlikely to stick around giving them instructions the entire time.

#2. Assembly Line Worker

A person working in an assembly line

Assembly line workers assemble products or product components as they come off the assembly line, monitor the production process, and ensure that the quality standards are met.

Considering all that, they must be able to follow the instructions carefully, stick to specific safety protocols and guidelines, and efficiently work in teams. Moreover, they should be detail-oriented, as assembling various parts shouldn’t be done carelessly.

Finally, though it may not seem like it, communication is an important skill for an assembly line worker. They need to effectively communicate with the rest of the team to maximize efficiency, as well as report any issues with the products or equipment to management instantly.

#3. Delivery Driver

IQ 85 careers - delivery driver

Delivery drivers work for various companies and fields, but their responsibilities are always the same: load, transport, and deliver an item to a specific location, as well as collect payment when needed.

Since the job involves a lot of driving, delivery drivers must be highly focused and excellent navigators. Otherwise, they could get lost, miss the delivery deadline, and negatively affect the company’s image.

In other words, this position is more responsible than it may seem initially. After all, delivery drivers are often the only in-person point of contact some companies have with their clients, so they must be punctual, polite, and excellent communicators.

#4. Food Service Worker

A person making pancakes

Food service workers usually prepare and serve meals in cafeterias, food courts, fast food restaurants, and grocery stores. They are often responsible not just for preparation and serving but also for cleaning the kitchen and dining area and washing kitchen utensils and dishes.

People who work in food service must be very responsible and know how to keep track of inventory and incoming orders. Since a job like this can be overwhelming at times, they must also be able to handle pressure and multitask successfully.

And, of course, communication is a crucial skill for a food service worker—their job involves interacting with clients and collaborating with other food service workers.

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Final Thoughts

An IQ of 85 may not be awe-inspiring, but that doesn’t mean people with it are incapable of reaching success or living fulfilling lives. On the contrary, if you’re willing to put extra effort into achieving your goals, your intelligence level is unlikely to be an obstacle.

That said, you can always improve your score if you want to—just make sure to give your brain enough to chew on. Our IQtest.net is an excellent starting point, providing all the tasks necessary to engage your cognition and boost your mental performance.

Discover how different IQ levels can impact abilities and potential:

• IQ 80
• IQ 90
• IQ 95