– Intelligence is complex and comes in many different forms. Having a high IQ doesn’t automatically make someone the smartest.
– Only two characters’ IQs are explicitly mentioned in the show, so the rest are approximate based on achievements and behavior.
– Emotional intelligence and practical thinking are important aspects of intelligence that should not be overlooked.
The majority of the characters on The Big Bang Theory spend the show’s 12-season run bragging about how smart they are, but are they the true “geniuses” that they claim to be, and just what is Sheldon Cooper’s IQ? Is Penny as “dumb” as the show hints, or are there some discrepancies between perception and reality? While not everyone’s IQ is above average, intelligence comes in many different forms and these individuals have demonstrated how quick-thinking they are in a variety of situations. While Sheldon Cooper’s IQ has been boasted and applauded, the likes of Howard, Raj, and Leonard could have easily done the same.
As seen in the show, just because a person has a genius-level IQ does not mean they are necessarily the smartest. Everyone’s IQ differs, just like each Big Bang Theory character’s personality. It is important to note that only two of The Big Bang Theory characters’ IQs are ever explicitly stated, so the rest of the numbers are approximations based on achievements and behavior. It is also important to note that the traditional IQ is not an accurate predictor of intelligence or success. Many things go into what makes a person “smart,” and IQ is only one small element of that.
The average IQ is measured between 85 and 115. According to PsychCentral, only 2% of the population score above 130.
Mary Cooper
IQ Score: 95
Sheldon Cooper has matured a lot since his childhood, and his mother Mary has had to try and keep up with his many quirky traits from Young Sheldon to The Big Bang Theory. It takes an incredibly intelligent woman to bring up someone with the brainpower of Sheldon Cooper, although Mary would likely rank around 95 despite being far from unintelligent. What Mary lacks regarding direct knowledge, she more than makes up for in common sense and practical thinking. In many ways, she’s far wiser than most of the scientists in the show, as her experiences have forged a quick-thinking and influential character. Young Sheldon does show her struggle to keep up, but she is smarter than her husband, George.
Stuart Bloom
IQ Score: 100
Stuart might hang out with some of the smartest people in the country, but he doesn’t quite match up to them intellectually. Some of the best The Big Bang Theory scenes were shown in the comic book store, proving Stuart is far from dim-witted. However, he has been running his comic book store into the ground for many years, without any signs of savvy business sense.
He is caring and incredibly kind, having looked after both Howard’s mother and the Wolowitz children. He can be a bit slow on the uptake though and doesn’t have the same level of education that the others were afforded. Ultimately the many mistakes in Stuart’s life say something about his decision-making processes and how long it takes to learn from those mistakes.
Bert Kibbler
IQ Score: 110
Bert is incredibly skilled in his very specific field. He knows geology inside out and can contribute a lot to both the university and the field in general. He has a brilliant level of education and his talents allow him to rise to the top of the industry. Outside these gifts, Bert is perhaps slower thinking than most of the main characters. While Bert has had memorable quotes as a side character, he’s gullible and easily confused. Bert does occasionally utter words of wisdom, and in many ways, he’s on the same level as Penny, just with a slightly different skill set.
Penny
IQ Score: 110
Though Kaley Cuoco’s Penny is often written off (in terms of intelligence) for not being a genius scientist like the rest of her friends, that does not mean that she has nothing to bring to the table. Penny is clever and resourceful. She can find ways to keep herself afloat while trying to become an actress, and when that doesn’t pan out, she discovers that she is incredibly capable as a pharmaceutical rep.
She is of slightly above average intelligence, which places her around 110 (via Medicine Net). She may not have the kind of brainy hobbies that the guys do, but she is quick to learn and adapt, and she has intellectual flexibility that is impressive. It would be fair to point out that Penny’s emotional intelligence is far higher than those around her, as they tend to be quite book-smart but rather awkward in social situations. Sheldon would hate to admit it, but Penny is far from dumb.
Beverly Hofstadter
IQ Score: 120
Beverly and Leonard have had horrible mother-and-son moments on The Big Bang Theory. Because she’s a trained psychologist and a published author, she used her son for experiments often. She earns her living reading people and is one of the few individuals Sheldon respects, thanks to her straightforward and logical brain. She often doesn’t think with any emotional response, which is both a strength and a weakness. Beverly couldn’t achieve some of the things that the rest of the main characters have. However, her level of intelligence demonstrates why she is so influential in her field and why she continues to prosper.
