SAT approximately equals IQ: How to estimate your IQ from your SAT score
Source: Dev.to
I found a study showing a strong correlation (r = 0.82) between the SAT and IQ, which I will share and comment on in this post.
Defining IQ and the SAT
IQ (Intelligence Quotient) is a score derived from standardized tests. It correlates with performance across:
- Fluid reasoning – novel problem‑solving
- Crystallized intelligence – acquired knowledge
- Visual processing – thinking with visual/spatial information
- Working memory – holding and manipulating information over short periods
- Processing speed – performance on fast, simple cognitive operations
The SAT is a test that many students take before applying to U.S. colleges. The College Board, the administrator of the SAT, does not describe it as an aptitude test; it calls it a test that predicts preparedness for college by assessing skills learned during high school. Nevertheless, scientific data suggest that performance on the SAT is related to IQ.
The most accurate SAT‑to‑IQ formula
Frey and Detterman (2004) found that IQ correlates with SAT scores with a correlation factor r = 0.82.
Here’s a link to the complete article.
IQ = (0.095 × Math) + (−0.003 × Verbal) + 50.241Note: Due to multicollinearity in the regression model, the coefficient in front of 0.003 is indeed negative.
Additional note: The r = 0.82 correlation was observed within a restricted‑range sample.