My IQ TestAverage IQ in Europe: Estimates by Country
Most European countries have estimated average IQs between about 95 and 102 on the UK-based scale. Differences are small, often within measurement error, and tend to track education spending, schooling quality and historical living standards.
How European estimates are compiled
Figures below come from compilations such as the Lynn–Becker national IQ dataset, which pool published studies of varying size and quality. Some countries have large, representative normative samples (Germany, the Netherlands, Finland); others rely on a handful of school studies.
Estimated average IQ by European country
| Country | Estimated average | Data quality |
|---|---|---|
| Finland | ≈101 | Good |
| Netherlands | ≈100 | Good |
| Germany | ≈100 | Good |
| Switzerland | ≈100 | Moderate |
| Austria | ≈99 | Moderate |
| Belgium | ≈99 | Moderate |
| Denmark | ≈98 | Good (conscript data) |
| Sweden | ≈99 | Moderate |
| Norway | ≈99 | Good (conscript data) |
| Estonia | ≈99 | Moderate |
| France | ≈98 | Moderate |
| Ireland | ≈96 | Moderate |
| Spain | ≈97 | Moderate |
| Italy | ≈97 | Moderate |
| Poland | ≈96 | Moderate |
| Portugal | ≈95 | Limited |
| Greece | ≈95 | Limited |
Why the spread is so narrow
European countries share broadly similar education systems, nutrition and healthcare, so it is unsurprising that averages are close. Norwegian and Danish military conscript data show scores rising for decades and then flattening or dipping slightly since the 1990s — a reversal that researchers attribute to environmental rather than genetic change, because it appears within families.
PISA results for 15-year-olds show a similar picture: modest gaps, often explained by school-system differences rather than innate ability.
Data protection and testing in the EU
Under the GDPR, cognitive test results can be sensitive personal data. Reputable services should store as little as possible and allow you to delete it. Our test calculates your score entirely in your browser — nothing is sent to us unless you choose to request a report.
For wider context see average IQ by country and average IQ in the UK, or take the test to see your personal estimate.
Common questions
Which European country has the highest average IQ?
Finland, the Netherlands and Germany typically score near the top, though differences among them are within the margin of error.
Is IQ falling in Europe?
Some Nordic conscript data show a small decline since the mid-1990s after decades of gains, likely for environmental reasons.
About the author
Dr. Elena Marsh — Elena has spent over a decade studying intelligence measurement and test construction, with a focus on fluid reasoning and fair item design.
Reviewed by Prof. Daniel Okafor — Daniel reviews item statistics and norming assumptions for our test and guides.
Sources and further reading
- Bratsberg, B., & Rogeberg, O. (2018). Flynn effect and its reversal are both environmentally caused. PNAS, 115(26), 6674–6678.
- Teasdale, T. W., & Owen, D. R. (2005). A long-term rise and recent decline in intelligence test performance. Personality and Individual Differences, 39(4).
- OECD (2023). PISA 2022 Results (Volume I). OECD Publishing.
- Becker, D. (2019). The NIQ dataset (v1.3.3).