IQ, or Intelligence Quotient, is often used as a measure of cognitive capability, with a score of 100 considered average. Individuals scoring above 130 are typically viewed as highly gifted, while those achieving scores over 160 enter the realm of rare genius. But a select few go far beyond even that. The Giga Society, one of the most exclusive high-IQ societies in the world, requires a minimum score equivalent to IQ 190+, making its members the intellectual elite.
Based on Giga Society’s 2025 listings and other recognized records, here are the top 10 individuals with the highest recorded IQs:
1. Terence Tao (IQ: 225–230)
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Profession: Mathematician
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Country: Australia/USA
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Often referred to as the “Mozart of Math,” Tao started solving calculus problems at age 7 and earned a PhD at 20. His IQ is estimated to be among the highest ever reliably recorded.
| Rank | Name | IQ score | Nationality | Field of expertise |
| 1 | YoungHoon Kim | 276 | South Korea | Psychology, Neuroscience, Linguistics |
| 2 | Terence Tao | 230 | Australian-American | Mathematics |
| 3 | Marilyn Vos Savant | 228 | American | Logic, Philosophy |
| 4 | Christopher Hirata | 225 | Japanese-American | Astrophysics |
| 5 | Sho Yano | 200 | American | Medicine, Genetics, Molecular Biology |
| 6 | Evangelos Katsioulis | 198 | Greek | Psychiatry, Philosophy |
| 7 | Christopher Harding | 197 | Australian | Philosophy |
| 8 | Christopher Langan | 195 | American | Cognitive Science, Philosophy, Theology |
| 9 | Rick Rosner | 192 | American | Television Writing, Game Shows |
| 10 | Garry Kasparov | 190 | Russian | Chess, Politics |
World’s highest IQ individuals
Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is one of the most well-known metrics for assessing human cognitive potential. While average IQ hovers around 100, a rare few surpass even the 160 mark — the realm of extraordinary genius. Verified by societies like the Giga Society and World Genius Directory, these individuals not only scored astronomically high but also made exceptional contributions across diverse disciplines.
Here’s a list of the top 10 highest IQ individuals in the world as of 2024, based on recognized scores and verifiable achievements.
🥇 YoungHoon Kim (IQ: 276) – South Korea
The Highest Recorded IQ in the World
YoungHoon Kim holds the highest verified IQ ever recorded, with an astonishing score of 276. Recognized by both the Giga Society and the World Genius Directory, Kim’s brilliance spans across psychology, neuroscience, and linguistics. His work is transforming how we understand cognitive science, and he is widely considered a polymath of the modern era.
🥈 Terence Tao (IQ: 230) – Australia/USA
The “Mozart of Math”
Terence Tao was solving complex math problems at age 7 and earned a PhD at just 20. Today, he is a celebrated professor at UCLA and a Fields Medal winner (2006). His IQ, estimated at 230, places him among the highest verified in the world. His groundbreaking work in harmonic analysis and number theory continues to influence global mathematics.
🥉 Marilyn vos Savant (IQ: 228) – USA
Former Guinness World Record Holder
Marilyn vos Savant gained fame for her entry in the Guinness Book of World Records for the highest IQ. Her long-running column "Ask Marilyn" in Parade magazine showcased her logical acumen. A public intellectual, she popularized high-IQ discourse and brought complex puzzles into mainstream media.
4. Christopher Hirata (IQ: 225) – USA
NASA Collaborator at 14
An astrophysics prodigy, Hirata won gold in the International Physics Olympiad at 13 and worked with NASA on Mars colonization at 14. By 22, he had earned a PhD from Caltech. His IQ is measured at 225, and he continues to contribute to cosmology and dark energy research.
5. Sho Yano (IQ: 200) – USA
Medical Doctor at 21
Sho Yano began composing music at 4, entered college at 9, and received an MD and PhD by age 21. With an IQ of 200, he has made significant advances in molecular genetics, representing a rare blend of intellect and compassion in medicine.
6. Evangelos Katsioulis (IQ: 198) – Greece
The Renaissance Psychiatrist
Katsioulis holds degrees in medicine, philosophy, and medical research methodology. With an IQ of 198, he founded the World Intelligence Network and is active in the global intellectual community, contributing to psychiatry and philosophical discourse.
7. Christopher Harding (IQ: 197) – Australia
Pioneer of Philosophical Intelligence
Harding was listed in the Guinness World Records for highest IQ between 1966 and 1988. Founder of the International Society for Philosophical Enquiry, he significantly influenced how intelligence is discussed in ethical and metaphysical terms.
8. Christopher Langan (IQ: 195) – USA
The Self-Taught Theorist
Often referred to as "the smartest man in America", Langan developed the Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe (CTMU) — a philosophical model attempting to unite science, theology, and logic. His IQ of 195 is self-taught brilliance, challenging academic norms.
9. Rick Rosner (IQ: 192) – USA
The Unorthodox Genius
A TV writer and quiz show enthusiast, Rosner is as famous for his eccentric lifestyle as his IQ of 192. Despite unconventional jobs and multiple high school enrollments, he consistently scores among the top in high-range IQ tests.
10. Garry Kasparov (IQ: 190) – Russia
Chess Legend Turned Activist
Kasparov became the youngest undisputed World Chess Champion at 22. His IQ of 190 supported a historic reign in chess. He’s since turned to politics and human rights advocacy, applying his sharp intellect beyond the chessboard.
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