What percentage of people are considered geniuses?
The term genius isn't a strictly defined label, but it is generally associated with a high IQ score of about 175 or greater. Bobby Fischer, who is considered to be a genius chess player, has an IQ of 187. Author Marilyn Vos Savant, who writes the "Ask Marilyn" column for Parade magazine claims to have the highest IQ ever measured at 230.
Part of what it means to be a genius is that you are part of a small, elite group — which is why it's difficult to pinpoint the exact IQ level required. Perhaps the closest thing to being an "official" genius is to be a member of Mensa International. Mensa is the largest, oldest, and most well-known high IQ society in the world. Potential members must score within the top 2% of any approved standardized intelligence test.
If we go with Mensa's standards and assume that only 2% of the population are real geniuses, then statistically about 6 million people in the United States would fit the bill. About 130 million people worldwide qualify for Mensa. Out of all these geniuses, only about 50,000 have actually joined Mensa in the U.S., and another 50,000 people have joined from other parts of the world.
If you aspire to join the ranks of Mensa geniuses, there are some things you can do to boost your IQ level. Top notch nutrition, getting plenty of sleep, practicing IQ test type questions, regular exercise, a stimulating environment — all these things can have a positive impact on your IQ score results. Spending time with the smartest people you know is probably one of the fastest ways to increase your IQ. If you can find a genius to hang out with, your IQ will rise.
But, if all that sounds like too much work, you can always take refuge by joining the Densa organization instead!