IQ tests compatible with mobile and desktop
The
online IQ test.
The RIOT IQ test is a rigorously developed, professional, online IQ test & platform for psychologists, researchers, clinicians, institutions, and curious individuals who want to learn about themselves. We offer numerous IQ testing options, from a quick, free IQ test, to more robust, accurate, and paid IQ tests.
Verbal Reasoning
Visuospatial Ability
Working Memory
Processing Speed
Reaction Time
About the RIOT IQ Test
The RIOT IQ test is built on over a century of IQ and intelligence research, adhering to psychometric standards and rigorous statistical norming procedures. We strive to be the best online IQ test in the world, and to serve as an alternative to gold standards such as the WAIS and Stanford Binet IQ tests.
Introducing the RIOT
The Reasoning and Intelligence Online Test (RIOT) is an IQ test for adults (18+). It features 15 subtests across five cognitive indices and is administered through a custom-built online platform. Designed for efficiency, the test can be completed in 60 minutes or less.
Based on the CHC Model
The Reasoning and Intelligence Online Test (RIOT) is built on the well-established Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model of intelligence, one of cognitive psychology's most widely recognized frameworks. The CHC model categorizes intelligence into broad abilities, all of which are assessed by RIOT. Decades of research and widespread application in standardized testing validate the CHC model, making it a strong foundation for the RIOT assessment.
Normed in the United States
The RIOT IQ test is normed for native English speakers aged 18 and older, born and residing in the United States. Norming an IQ test establishes a reference point for interpreting scores. First, the test is administered to a large, diverse demographic group. Statisticians then analyze the results to determine the average score and score distribution. These findings create norms that allow individual scores to be compared to the broader population, providing meaningful insight into cognitive ability. All our IQ tests, including our free IQ test, utilize the same norms. Read more about norming.
Meets Professional Standards
The RIOT is the only online intelligence test that meets all educational and psychological testing standards set by the American Educational Research Association, the American Psychological Association, and the National Council on Measurement in Education. For more information, visit their website here and find a link to the specific standards we adhere here to.
Screened for Bias and Fairness
The RIOT IQ team took rigorous steps to ensure fairness and reduce bias. A diverse panel of experts, including cognitive, educational, and school psychologists, conducted a sensitivity review to identify and remove potentially biased or distracting content related to race, sex, or other demographics. Problematic questions were either revised or removed.
Each question also underwent statistical analysis to detect bias across different characteristics, ensuring that RIOT provides an accurate and equitable intelligence assessment for all test-takers.
IQ Test Range
The RIOT is designed to accurately measure IQ scores between 75 and 145, with corresponding T-scores ranging from 34 to 80. In some cases, scores outside this range may be extrapolated, but they should be considered approximations, especially if they exceed the range by more than 5–10 points.
For a detailed discussion of the evidence supporting RIOT as a measure of intelligence and cognitive abilities, refer to the test manual.
1884
Francis Galton attempted to measure intelligence at the Anthropometric Laboratory in London.
1905
Alfred Binet and Théodore Simon developed the first successful intelligence scale.
1912
William Stern introduced the original IQ formula.
1916
Lewis Terman published the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale.
1917
The U.S. Army used the Army Alpha and Beta Tests during WWI for large-scale intelligence testing.
1939
David Wechsler created the Wechsler-Bellevue Intelligence Scale, which later became the WAIS.
1955
The first Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS) was published.
1968
Researchers began investigating potential bias in IQ testing.
1984
James Flynn identified the Flynn Effect, demonstrating increasing IQ scores over time.
1988
Richard J. Haier pioneered research on intelligence, linking IQ to brain function.
1993
The Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) Theory became a leading model of cognitive abilities.
2000
The International Society for Intelligence Research (ISIR) was founded.
2008
The WAIS-IV, an updated version of the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale, was released.
2025
RIOT Launch – Built on over a century of IQ research, the RIOT test combines modern computerized testing with scientifically validated intelligence assessment.
Developed by Experts
Meet Dr. Russell T. Warne — Chief Scientist and IQ researcher behind the RIOT IQ test.
About Dr. Russell T. Warne
Dr. Russell T. Warne is a distinguished educational psychology scholar specializing in research, measurement, and statistics. He earned his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University and spent over a decade as a faculty member at Utah Valley University.
Dr. Warne's research on human intelligence and giftedness is widely recognized. He has published numerous articles in esteemed journals such as Psychological Bulletin and Intelligence. He is also the author of In the Know: Debunking 35 Myths About Human Intelligence, published by Cambridge University Press in 2020.
As a member of the International Society for Intelligence Research and the editorial board of Intelligence, Dr. Warne actively contributes to advancing the field. He has received awards from prestigious organizations, including the MENSA Foundation and the National Association for Gifted Children.
With his expertise and dedication to scholarship, Dr. Warne continues to shape the discourse and understanding of intelligence research, making significant contributions to the field.
Russell's articles & journals
Factor structure of intelligence and divergent thinking subtests: A registered report
The relationship between Advanced Placement mathematics courses and students
Possible economic benefits of full-grade acceleration
Research on the academic benefits of the Advanced Placement program
Spearman's g Found in 31 Non-Western Nations: Strong Evidence That g Is a Universal Phenomenon
Five Reasons to Put the g Back Into Giftedness: An Argument for Applying the Cattell-Horn-Carroll Theory of Intelligence to Gifted Education Research and Practice
Low base rates and a high IQ selection threshold prevented Terman from identifying future Nobelists
Russell's books
Reviewed by a Diverse Expert Panel to Remove Bias
At RIOT, we believe IQ testing should be fair, inclusive, and free from bias.
Every question in the RIOT IQ Test undergoes a rigorous sensitivity review by an independent panel of experts, including cognitive, educational, and school psychologists. These specialists carefully examine each item to identify and remove potentially biased, distracting, or inappropriate content.
If a concern is flagged, the item is either revised or removed to maintain fairness and accuracy. This comprehensive review process reinforces our commitment to delivering an equitable, scientifically valid assessment for all test-takers.
Sensitivity Panel Participants
Dr. Craig L. Frisby
University of Missouri
“The RIOT test is a new comprehensive multi-subtest intelligence battery that includes innovative item types, some of which are not found in a wide variety of contemporary general mental ability tests. The RIOT battery includes a wide variety of both verbal and nonverbal content that test users would undoubtedly find interesting, fun, challenging, and imaginative.”
Dr. Maria Lazo
Southwestern University
“The testing of this instrument was rigorous and included a transparent development process that points to the expertise involved in all stages. The thoughtfully constructed test items reflect careful attention to detail, making this a robust tool for measuring intelligence with precision and fairness.”
Joyce Juntune
Texas A&M University
“The Reasoning and Intelligence Online Test (RIOT) is built on a solid understanding of intelligence. By integrating diverse verbal and nonverbal tasks, it accurately assesses an individual's reasoning, problem-solving, abstract thinking, and advanced cognitive abilities. Its online accessibility makes it a valuable tool for professionals who require this information for informed decision-making.”
Dr. Dante Dixson
Michigan State University
Dr. Jessica C. Hill
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Dr. Jonathan Wai
University of Arkansas
Dr. Frank C. Worrell
University of California
What's Included with Each IQ Test
Your analysis depends on your chosen RIOT IQ test version, but our full IQ test includes all of the features below. Our free IQ test will include less detail and analytics within the test results.
IQ score & comparisons
After completing the RIOT test, examinees receive an IQ score (with a margin of error) and an interpretation that compares their results to those of other RIOT test-takers and a representative sample of examinees.
Learn more about how IQ is measured in our Chief Scientist's article: How to Calculate IQ.
Breakdown of 5 Cognitive Abilities
Your results will include a breakdown of your 5 cognitive abilities. These abilities are also referring to as “indexes” or “factors” in the scientific world. The abilities include: Verbal Reasoning, Visuospatial Ability, Working Memory, Processing Speed, and Reaction Time. Learn more about the 5 cognitive abilities here.
15 subtests, 16 T scores
Along with an IQ score, you will be able to more granularly analyze your T scores for each of the 15 subtests. In psychometrics, each subtest score is referred to as a “T Score”. Some subtests have more than 1 score. Reaction Time has 2 T scores: Choice Reaction Time & Simple Reaction Time, hence 16 T scores. Learn more about the 15 subtests here.
Administer IQ tests to others
We offer a free online platform for psychologists, researchers, clinicians, and institutions to administer the RIOT to anyone. You may administer any of our 4 IQ test versions: The Basic free IQ test, Enhanced IQ test, Full IQ test, and Custom IQ test.
Learn more
Explore All RIOT IQ Tests
All versions of the RIOT IQ test are normed on US-born, native English speakers aged 18 and older.
Basic IQ Test
3 subtests~10 Minutes
IQ Score
Cognitive abilities breakdown
Routing tests
±5.6 IQ margin of error
Free
Learn moreEnhanced IQ Test
5 subtests + all cognitive abilities~24 Minutes
IQ Score
Cognitive abilities breakdown
Routing tests
±4.3 IQ margin of error
$TBD
Learn moreFull IQ Test
16 subtests + all cognitive abilities~70 Minutes
IQ Score
Cognitive abilities breakdown
Routing tests
±2.3 IQ margin of error
$TBD
Learn moreCustom IQ Test
Custom subtestsUp to 70 Minutes
T-Score
Cognitive abilities breakdown
Routing tests
Up to ±2.3 IQ margin of error
$TBD
Learn moreStill have questions?
Learn more about intelligence research and testing.
Do you offer a free IQ test?
Yes, absolutely. Our free IQ test is called the Basic RIOT IQ test. It comes with the caveat of a large margin of error. You can read more about our free IQ test here.
What is intelligence?
Intelligence is the ability to learn, understand, reason, and apply knowledge to solve problems. It includes a range of cognitive abilities such as memory, reasoning, problem-solving, and adapting to new situations.
What is an IQ test?
An IQ (Intelligence Quotient) test is a standardized assessment that measures cognitive abilities relative to others. Scores are based on comparisons to a normed sample, with 100 as the average score.
What does an IQ score mean?
An IQ score indicates how your cognitive abilities compare to a norm sample, which is a large group of individuals carefully selected to represent a broader population in terms of characteristics like age, gender, education level, and socioeconomic status . A score of 100 represents the mean performance within that norm sample, meaning it's the average score achieved by this representative group. Consequently, higher or lower scores indicate performance above or below that average performance established by the norm sample.
What are the main cognitive abilities measured by IQ tests?
IQ tests typically assess:
Verbal reasoning - Understanding and analyzing language-based information.
Visuospatial ability - Visualizing and manipulating objects and space.
Working memory - Holding and processing information in short-term memory.
Processing speed - Quickly and accurately handling simple information.
Reaction time - Responding quickly to stimuli.
Sign up for early access
Be the first to experience the RIOT IQ test. We will be launching with multiple paid IQ tests as well as a free IQ test. Sign up for exclusive updates and priority access.