Can you increase your IQ?
Updated 31 October 2026
A little, and slowly. Education has the best evidence. Brain-training apps mostly make you better at the apps. And some quick “gains” are just practice.
What works and what doesn’t
| Idea | What the evidence says |
|---|---|
| More years of education | Raises IQ: roughly 1 to 5 points per extra year, according to a large review of studies |
| Brain-training apps | You get better at the trained games, with little effect on general intelligence |
| Practising IQ tests | Scores go up a few points through familiarity, not real change |
| Sleep and rest before a test | Don’t raise your IQ, but help you show your real level |
| Health and nutrition in childhood | Matter for how the brain develops, especially early in life |
Why practice doesn’t count
If you do lots of matrix puzzles, you get faster at matrix puzzles. Your score on that kind of test may rise, but your general reasoning hasn’t changed much. That’s why a fair result comes from taking a test once.
Scores rose over the last century
In many countries average test scores rose by about 3 points per decade during the 20th century: this is called the Flynn effect. Better schooling, health and nutrition are likely reasons. Tests are re-normed from time to time, so the average goes back to 100. In some countries the rise has recently slowed or reversed.
Quick answers
- Can an adult raise their IQ by 20 points? There’s no good evidence for that.
- Do puzzles and reading help? They build knowledge and skills that matter in life, even if they barely move an IQ score.
- Should I practise before taking UNIQUE? You don’t need to. For the most honest result, take it rested and without distractions. If you’re curious about the format, read how matrix puzzles work.
Find out your score
UNIQUE is a non-verbal IQ test: 64 matrices that adapt to your level. Taking it is free; you pay only to see your result.