A 1500 SAT score does not directly equate to a specific IQ score, as the SAT and IQ tests measure different constructs. The SAT assesses academic readiness in reading, writing, and mathematics, while IQ tests measure general cognitive abilities such as reasoning, problem solving, and abstract thinking.
However, statistical correlations have been observed between SAT scores and IQ in large population studies. Based on historical data—particularly from the pre 2016 SAT scale, which had a maximum of 2400—a score of 1500 on the current SAT (out of 1600) is roughly equivalent to a score of about 2000–2100 on the old 2400 scale. Research by psychologists such as Frey and Detterman (2004) suggests this range corresponds to an IQ of approximately 140 to 145 on a standard scale with a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15.
This places a 1500 SAT scorer in the top 1 to 2 percent of test takers in terms of cognitive ability and academic aptitude. It reflects strong verbal reasoning, quantitative skills, and the capacity for analytical thinking.
It is important to note that this is an estimate based on group-level correlations. Individual IQ cannot be accurately determined from an SAT score alone, as many factors—including education, preparation, motivation, and test familiarity—affect SAT performance. Furthermore, modern SAT scores are not designed or validated as IQ measures, and using them as such is not scientifically precise.
In summary, while a 1500 SAT score suggests high cognitive ability and is often associated with an estimated IQ in the 140–145 range, it should not be treated as a formal IQ assessment. The SAT remains an academic readiness test, not an intelligence test.