Short Answer 
IQ scores follow a bell curve, with the majority around the average of 100, while an IQ of 120 is noteworthy, placing an individual in the upper range, with about 90% of the population scoring below this mark. This highlights that only 10% score above 120, making it indicative of above-average intelligence.
Understanding IQ Distribution
The distribution of IQ scores follows a bella curve pattern. This means that the majority of the population scores around the average of 100. A smaller percentage of people score at the extremes, either very low or very high, indicating that IQ scores are not uniformly distributed.
Significance of an IQ Score of 120
An IQ score of 120 is significant, as it places an individual in the upper range of intelligence. Specifically, approximately 90% of the population has an IQ score below 120. The categorization of these scores plays a crucial role in understanding where an individual stands in relation to the general population.
Statistics Behind IQ Scores
IQ scores can be broken down into various ranges, highlighting how many people fall into each bracket. For example:
- 68% of the population has an IQ between 85 and 115.
- About 14% fall between 115 and 130.
- Only 10% achieve scores above 120.
This distribution illustrates that a score of 120 is quite impressive, signifying intelligence that is higher than most people.