Top 50 Smartest People on the Planet With Their IQ: Unlocking the Minds of Extraordinary Genius

In a world driven by knowledge and intelligence, some individuals possess an unparalleled brilliance that sets them apart as the smartest minds on the planet. Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is a measure used to assess cognitive abilities, and the geniuses on this list have astounded the world with their exceptional intellect. Join us on a fascinating journey as we delve into the lives of the top 50 smartest people on Earth, each with their remarkable IQ scores.

1. Terence Tao - IQ 230-240:

   • Field: Mathematics
   • Notable Contributions: Profound work in number theory and partial differential equations.

1. Marilyn vos Savant - IQ 228:

   • Field: Author, Columnist
   • Notable Contributions: Known for her "Ask Marilyn" column in Parade magazine.

2. Christopher Hirata - IQ 225:

   • Field: Astrophysics, Cosmology
   • Notable Contributions: Significant research in dark energy and the universe's evolution.

3. Kim Ung-yong - IQ 210:

   • Field: Astrophysics
   • Notable Contributions: Entered university at age four, former child prodigy.

4. Evangelos Katsioulis - IQ 198:

   • Field: Psychiatry, Philosophy
   • Notable Contributions: Multi-disciplinary achievements in various fields.

5. Magnus Carlsen - IQ 190:

   • Field: Chess
   • Notable Contributions: Reigning World Chess Champion, renowned for strategic thinking.

6. Garry Kasparov - IQ 190:

   • Field: Chess
   • Notable Contributions: Regarded as one of the greatest chess players in history.

7. Rick Rosner - IQ 192:

   • Field: Television, Writing
   • Notable Contributions: High-profile appearances on quiz shows due to his exceptional IQ.

8. Philip Emeagwali - IQ 190:

   • Field: Computer Science
   • Notable Contributions: Pioneering contributions to the development of the internet.

9. Andrew Wiles - IQ 170-185:

   • Field: Mathematics
   • Notable Contributions: Proved Fermat's Last Theorem, a significant mathematical conjecture.

10. Stephen Hawking - IQ 160:

    • Field: Theoretical Physics, Cosmology
    • Notable Contributions: Groundbreaking work on black holes and cosmology.

11. Albert Einstein - IQ 160:

    • Field: Theoretical Physics
    • Notable Contributions: Theory of Relativity, one of the most iconic names in science.

12. William James Sidis - IQ 250-300:

    • Field: Mathematics, Psychology
    • Notable Contributions: Child prodigy, early achievements in various disciplines.

13. Judit Polgar - IQ 170:

    • Field: Chess
    • Notable Contributions: Renowned for defeating several world champions and breaking gender barriers in chess.

14. Edith Stern - IQ 200:

    • Field: Music (Pianist, Composer)
    • Notable Contributions: Renowned pianist and composer, achieved exceptional success at a young age.

15. Christopher Michael Langan - IQ 195:

    • Field: Philosophy, Cognitive Science
    • Notable Contributions: Developed the Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe.

16. James Woods - IQ 180:

    • Field: Acting
    • Notable Contributions: Acclaimed actor, known for his versatile roles in movies and television.

17. Shakuntala Devi - IQ 185:

    • Field: Mental Calculation, Mathematics
    • Notable Contributions: Known as the "Human Computer," a prodigy in mental arithmetic.

18. Ruth Lawrence - IQ 175:

    • Field: Mathematics
    • Notable Contributions: Became the youngest person to receive a first-class mathematics degree at Oxford University.

19. Paul Allen - IQ 170:

    • Field: Technology, Philanthropy
    • Notable Contributions: Co-founded Microsoft and dedicated to various charitable causes.

20. John von Neumann - IQ 190:

    • Field: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science
    • Notable Contributions: A pioneer in the fields of quantum mechanics, game theory, and computing.

21. Bobby Fischer - IQ 187:

    • Field: Chess
    • Notable Contributions: Renowned American chess grandmaster and World Chess Champion.

22. Judit Polgar - IQ 170:

    • Field: Chess
    • Notable Contributions: Renowned for defeating several world champions and breaking gender barriers in chess.

23. Christopher Langan - IQ 195:

    • Field: Philosophy, Cognitive Science
    • Notable Contributions: Developed the Cognitive-Theoretic Model of the Universe.

24. James Woods - IQ 180:

    • Field: Acting
    • Notable Contributions: Acclaimed actor, known for his versatile roles in movies and television.

25. Shakuntala Devi - IQ 185:

    • Field: Mental Calculation, Mathematics
    • Notable Contributions: Known as the "Human Computer," a prodigy in mental arithmetic.

26. Ruth Lawrence - IQ 175:

    • Field: Mathematics
    • Notable Contributions: Became the youngest person to receive a first-class mathematics degree at Oxford University.

27. Paul Allen - IQ 170:

    • Field: Technology, Philanthropy
    • Notable Contributions: Co-founded Microsoft and dedicated to various charitable causes.

28. John von Neumann - IQ 190:

    • Field: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science
    • Notable Contributions: A pioneer in the fields of quantum mechanics, game theory, and computing.

29. Bobby Fischer - IQ 187:

    • Field: Chess
    • Notable Contributions: Renowned American chess grandmaster and World Chess Champion.

30. Elon Musk - IQ 155:

    • Field: Technology, Entrepreneurship
    • Notable Contributions: CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, leading innovations in electric vehicles and space exploration.

31. Marilyn vos Savant - IQ 228:

    • Field: Author, Columnist
    • Notable Contributions: Known for her "Ask Marilyn" column in Parade magazine.

32. Rosalind Franklin - IQ 180:

    • Field: Chemistry, X-ray Crystallography
    • Notable Contributions: Played a key role in discovering the structure of DNA.

33. Garry Kasparov - IQ 190:

    • Field: Chess, Politics
    • Notable Contributions: Former World Chess Champion and human rights advocate.

34. James Clerk Maxwell - IQ 190:

    • Field: Physics, Mathematics
    • Notable Contributions: Maxwell's equations revolutionized electromagnetism.

35. Marie Curie - IQ 185:

    • Field: Physics, Chemistry
    • Notable Contributions: Nobel laureate for her groundbreaking research on radioactivity.

36. Leonardo da Vinci - IQ 180:

    • Field: Art, Science, Engineering
    • Notable Contributions: Renowned as one of history's greatest polymaths and artists.

37. Nikola Tesla - IQ 160:

    • Field: Electrical Engineering, Physics
    • Notable Contributions: Known for his pioneering work in alternating current (AC) electricity.

38. Srinivasa Ramanujan - IQ 185:

    • Field: Mathematics
    • Notable Contributions: Made profound discoveries in number theory and mathematical analysis.

39. Sharon Stone - IQ 154:

    • Field: Acting, Film Production
    • Notable Contributions: Acclaimed actress and film producer known for her versatile roles.

40. Emmanuel Macron - IQ 150:

    • Field: Politics
    • Notable Contributions: President of France and a prominent political figure.

41. William Sidis - IQ 250-300:

    • Field: Mathematics, Writing
    • Notable Contributions: A child prodigy with extraordinary intellectual abilities.

42. Thomas Young - IQ 185:

    • Field: Physics, Medicine, Egyptology
    • Notable Contributions: Made significant contributions to the wave theory of light.

43. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe - IQ 210:

    • Field: Literature, Philosophy
    • Notable Contributions: Renowned German writer and philosopher.

44. Nathan Leopold - IQ 210:

    • Field: Law, History
    • Notable Contributions: Notorious for his involvement in the "Leopold and Loeb" murder case.

45. Voltaire - IQ 190:

    • Field: Literature, Philosophy
    • Notable Contributions: Influential French writer and philosopher during the Enlightenment.

46. Thomas Edison - IQ 145:

    • Field: Invention, Business
    • Notable Contributions: Prolific inventor and businessman, credited with the invention of the phonograph and electric light bulb.

47. Hypatia - IQ Unknown:

    • Field: Mathematics, Philosophy, Astronomy
    • Notable Contributions: Ancient Greek mathematician, philosopher, and astronomer.

48. Galileo Galilei - IQ 185:

    • Field: Astronomy, Physics
    • Notable Contributions: Renowned for his contributions to the scientific revolution.

49. Leonhard Euler - IQ 180:

    • Field: Mathematics, Physics, Engineering
    • Notable Contributions: Influential mathematician with significant contributions to various fields.

The brilliance and accomplishments of these extraordinary individuals have left an indelible mark on their respective fields and on the world as a whole. Their insatiable curiosity, dedication, and exceptional intellect continue to inspire generations to push the boundaries of human knowledge and understanding.

While the IQ scores provided here are based on historical records and estimations, it is important to note that intelligence is just one facet of a person's capabilities, and every individual possesses unique strengths and talents. As we celebrate these luminaries, let us also recognize the value of diversity and the boundless potential within each of us to contribute positively to society.