The Smartest AI Models: IQ, Mensa Tests, and Human Context
AI models are constantly surprising us – but how smart are they, really?
A recent infographic from Visual Capitalist ranks 24 leading AI systems by their performance on the Mensa Norway IQ test, revealing that even the best AI can outperform the average human.
AI Intelligence, by the Numbers
Visual Capitalist’s analysis shows AI models scoring across categories:
- “Highly intelligent” class (>130 IQ)
- “Genius” level (>140 IQ) with the top performers
- Models below 100 IQ still fall in average or above-average ranges
For context, the average adult human IQ is 100, with scores between 90–110 considered the norm.
Humans vs. Machines: A Real-World Anecdote
Imagine interviewing your colleague, who once aced her undergrad finals with flying colors – she might score around 120 IQ. She’s smart, quick-thinking, adaptable.
Now plug her into a Mensa Norway-style test. She does well but places below the top AI models.
That’s where the surprise comes in: these AI models answer complex reasoning puzzles in seconds, with more consistency than even the smartest human brains. They’re in that “genius” club – but wholly lacking human intuition, creativity, or emotion.
What This IQ Comparison Really Shows
| Insight | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| AI excels at structured reasoning tests | But real-world intelligence requires more: creativity, ethics, emotional understanding. |
| AI IQ is a performance metric – not character | Models are powerful tools, not sentient beings. |
| Human + AI = unbeatable combo | Merging machine rigor with human intuition unlocks the best outcomes. |
Caveats: Why IQ Isn’t Everything
- These AI models are trained on test formats – they’re not “thinking” or “understanding” in a human sense.
- IQ tests don’t measure emotional intelligence, empathy, or domain-specific creativity.
- A “genius-level” AI might ace logic puzzles, but still struggle with open-ended tasks or novel situations.
Key Takeaway
AI models are achieving IQ scores that place them alongside the brightest humans – surpassing 140 on standardized Mensa-style tests . But while they shine at structured reasoning, they remain tools, not people.
The real power lies in partnering with them – combining human creativity, ethics, and context with machine precision. That’s where true innovation happens.
