Stanford-Binet IQ Test
Modeled on the design of the Stanford-Binet Fifth Edition: five abilities, each measured once with pictures and once with words, and two starting tasks that set your level. Original tasks, not the official SB5.
Table of Contents
Stanford-Binet IQ Test
The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scales go back to Alfred Binet's 1905 scale and Lewis Terman's 1916 Stanford revision; the current edition is the fifth (SB5, 2003). Our online battery follows the SB5 design (the same five factors, a verbal and a nonverbal domain, routing tasks and testlets) with our own, original tasks.
Each factor is measured twice: once in the nonverbal domain (pictures, numbers, blocks) and once in the verbal domain (words and sentences). Two routing tasks, picture series and matrices and vocabulary, set your starting level; the other tasks then run in short sets of six that stop when they get too hard. The word tasks are available in English only for now; in other languages you take the nonverbal half.
Key Insight
Composite and factor scores use a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15, as in the SB5; each task gets a scaled score with a mean of 10 and a standard deviation of 3. Until our own norms are complete, scores are estimates from provisional norms.
What Makes This Test Different
Adaptive levels, a full profile with verbal, nonverbal and five factor scores, and no registration. You see where you stand right after the last task.
5 Cognitive Factors
Each domain is independently scored to give you a complete cognitive profile
Fluid Reasoning
Logic, pattern analysis, and abstract problem-solving
Knowledge
Accumulated information, vocabulary, and comprehension
Quantitative Reasoning
Number concepts, estimation, and problem solving
Visual-Spatial Processing
Form perception, spatial relations, and mental imagery
Working Memory
Short-term memory, attention, and mental manipulation
Four Simple Steps
Choose Quick (10–15 minutes), Normal (20–30) or Full (50–70 in English, 25–40 for the nonverbal battery)
Select Gender
Choose to begin; it does not change your score
Complete the Tasks
Two to nine tasks depending on the version (picture tasks only in other languages), each with practice items first
See Where You Stand
Your score range appears right after the last task; the exact scores are in the full report
View Profile
Explore your verbal, nonverbal and factor profile in the full report
How the Stanford-Binet IQ Test Is Scored
The Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale has been one of the best-known IQ tests since Lewis Terman's 1916 Stanford revision. Our battery follows the SB5 (Fifth Edition) design and reports deviation scores with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15.
Like the SB5, it evaluates intelligence through five cognitive factors: Fluid Reasoning, Knowledge, Quantitative Reasoning, Visual-Spatial Processing and Working Memory, each in a nonverbal and a verbal domain. You get a full scale, verbal and nonverbal score plus a factor profile rather than a single number.
Two routing tasks set your starting level for each domain. The other tasks come in testlets of six items per level: with fewer than 3 points at your starting level you also get the level below, and 2 points or fewer at a level ends that task. The battery adapts to you, from easy items up to a gifted ceiling.
For a different perspective on your intelligence, try our WAIS-style assessment which measures 5 index scores, or our CHC Cognitive Assessment based on the most comprehensive model of intelligence with 6 broad abilities. Our standard free IQ test offers a quicker 20-minute assessment covering 5 core domains.
IQ Score Ranges
Scores follow a normal distribution with a mean of 100 and standard deviation of 15
Who Should Take the Stanford-Binet IQ Test
The Stanford-Binet IQ test is the right choice for anyone who wants a rigorous, academically respected measure of intelligence. As the oldest and most established IQ test in history, the Stanford-Binet methodology is trusted by psychologists, educators, and researchers worldwide.
This test is particularly well-suited for:
- Academic achievers who want an assessment based on the same methodology used in clinical and educational settings since 1916
- Parents and educators curious about cognitive strengths across 5 distinct factors including fluid reasoning and working memory
- Graduate students and researchers familiar with psychometric testing who want a rigorous online Stanford-Binet practice test
- Career professionals seeking insights into their cognitive profile for personal development and career planning
Want a broader cognitive evaluation? Our CHC assessment measures 6 abilities using the most comprehensive intelligence model available. If you're curious about Mensa eligibility, our Mensa-style IQ test includes high-ceiling questions designed for the top 2%.
Choose Your Assessment
Each test offers a unique perspective on cognitive ability
Free IQ Test
Take the Free IQ Test →Fast & Accurate IQ Test
Try the Fast & Accurate IQ Test →Mensa-Style Test
Take the Mensa-Style IQ Test →Stanford-Binet
Current TestCHC Assessment
Try the CHC Cognitive Assessment →MoCA Screening
Take the MoCA Screening →WAIS Test
Take the WAIS Intelligence Test →Frequently Asked Questions
The battery follows the design of the Stanford-Binet Fifth Edition (two routing tasks, five factors in a verbal and a nonverbal domain, testlets with basal and ceiling rules) using our own, original tasks. Scores use provisional norms until enough completed tests per age group are in, so they are estimates, not a clinical result. Only an SB5 given in person by a qualified examiner yields official scores.
It depends on the version you choose: Quick takes 10–15 minutes, Normal 20–30 minutes and Full 50–70 minutes in English (25–40 minutes for the nonverbal battery in other languages). Each task stops by itself when the items get too hard, so the time varies. Take it in one sitting without interruptions.
No registration is needed and the test is free to take: you see where you stand (your score range) right after the last question. Your exact score, percentile, full report and certificate are one optional payment, with no subscription and no hidden fees.
Right after the last question you see where you stand: your score range on the IQ scale and the five factors ranked from strongest to weakest. Your exact score, percentile and full report are one payment, no subscription.
Yes, you can retake any test. We recommend waiting at least 1-2 weeks between attempts to ensure reliable results and minimize practice effects from question familiarity.
Related reading & comparisons
Stanford-Binet compared to other tests
What every IQ score actually means
References
- Neisser, U., Boodoo, G., Bouchard, T. J., Jr., et al. (1996). Intelligence: Knowns and unknowns. American Psychologist, 51(2), 77–101. doi:10.1037/0003-066X.51.2.77