George W. Bush - IQ Of 124
If you asked your neighbor to name as many U.S. presidents as possible, there's a high chance that they'd only really be able to name modern-day presidents - like George W. Bush, for example. As the son of a president himself, many knew that it would only be a matter of time before he made his way into the Oval Office himself, and that time came from 2001 until 2009.
With an IQ of 124, George W. Bush is well above the national average. So, it's no wonder that he was able to graduate from Harvard, serve as a military pilot, and showcase his impressive painting skills.
Gerald Ford - IQ of 127
Unlike the other presidents on this list, President Gerald Ford wasn't chosen by the people during a much-anticipated presidential election. Instead, the former vice president had no choice but to take over the country when Nixon resigned as a result of the Watergate Scandal. As a result, he became the 38th President of the United States from 1974 until 1977. His IQ of 127 proved that he was worthy of the job, too.
Although Gerald was known for being quieter and more reserved than others who had previously inhabited the White House, he was no stranger to success. After all, he graduated from Yale Law School.
Ronald Reagan - IQ of 130
Over the years, many professional actors have made the move from acting to politics, and what some people might not remember is that Ronald Reagan was an actor before he became the 40th President of the United States. In fact, he served twice as the president of the Screen Actors Guild before becoming the President of the U.S. But when he made the switch to politics, he realized where his true passion lay.
Reagan served from 1981 until 1989, and his charm and popularity meant that he was extremely popular with the people. His IQ of 130 also helped him make difficult but important decisions for the country.
Ulysses Grant - IQ of 130
He might not be the most famous or recognizable name in history, but Ulysses S. Grant served as the 18th president of the United States and held this title from 1869 until 1877. A military man through and through, Ulysses became president after leading his army to victory during the American Civil War. As a result, the American people dubbed him a hero - and most agreed that he should be in the White House.
Although Grant spent many of his years on the battlefield, he was lucky enough to have an impressive early education. This, alongside his natural ability, meant that he had an IQ of 130.
George H. Bush - IQ of 130.1
While everyone has their own opinions on politics, one thing we can all agree on is that George H. Bush certainly had a high enough IQ to become president. In fact, with an IQ of 130.1, it was slightly higher than his son's. This IQ served him well during his stint as President of the United States from 1989 until 1993, and it also served him well during the earlier stages of his career.
Like his son and namesake, George H. Bush also graduated from Harvard University and later went onto become a fighter pilot. And those are both things the average person can't do.
William McKinley - IQ of 130.2
A change in presidencies often comes at a turning point for the country, and in William McKinley's case, he became the 25th President of the United States while the American economy was struggling. However, many believed that he was the perfect man for the job - and not just because of his 130.2 IQ. He also had a rich military career before setting up his own law firm and venturing into the world of politics.
Sadly, as is the case with politics, there were also some people who didn't agree with his decisions. As a result, he died a few days after an assassination attempt.
Grover Cleveland - IQ of 130.9
While he may not be the most recognizable former president on this list, one thing that makes Grover Cleveland memorable is the fact that he is still the only president in history to serve two non-consecutive terms. In fact, he served as both the 22nd and the 24th President of the United States. And while he worked his way up the political ladder after being the mayor of Buffalo and governor of New York, he didn't have the headstart that others did.
Unlike almost all of the other former presidents on this list, Grover did not come from a rich family, and he couldn't afford to go to college. Despite this, he still had an IQ of 130.9.
Dwight Eisenhower - IQ of 131.9
Like most former presidents on this list, Dwight Eisenhower came from a military background. He graduated from West Point and had a successful military career before moving into the world of politics and later becoming the 34th President of the United States. It was this experience in the military that allowed him to successfully lead the country during both World War II and the Cold War and thanks to this, he became very popular.
Eisenhower sat in the Oval Office from January 20, 1953, until January 20, 1961, and we can't help but think that his high IQ of 130.9 aided his all-important decision-making.
Benjamin Harrison - IQ of 132.2
It's not uncommon for families to stake their claim in politics. Just look at the Bush family, for example. But what many people don't realize about former President Benjamin Harrison is that he was the grandson of former President William Henry Harrison and the great-grandson of Founding Father Benjamin Harrison V. Benjamin served his term in the Oval Office from 1889 until 1893 and aimed to preserve his family's legacy in America.
During his term, Benjamin was credited for modernizing the military - something that was undoubtedly much easier with his IQ of 132.2, but he was criticized for the spending that took place during his time in power.
George Washington - IQ of 132.5
Considering he held the presidency from 1789 until 1791, George Washington is perhaps the most famous former president on this list. After all, he was the very first president of the United States and a Founding Father of the America that we all know today. He was one of the men who drafted the Constitution of the United States, and he helped to lead the country during the American Revolutionary War.
While the above has allowed him to become one of the most famous men in history, it's important to remember that Washington didn't have a formal education. Despite this, he had an extremely high IQ of 132.5.
Martin Van Buren - IQ of 133.4
Martin Van Buren might not be the first former president you think of when you think of those who have sat in the Oval Office. But like all of the presidents on this list, Van Buren certainly left his mark. As the eighth president of the United States, he served from 1837 to 1841 and is generally considered to be the founding father of the Democratic Party. And while he was born in the U.S., his native language was Dutch.
Despite English being his second language, Martin Van Buren was able to work his way up the political ladder to become President of the United States. That might have had something to do with his IQ of 133.4.
Rutherford B. Hayes - IQ of 133.9
The president of the United States normally begins their term with a buzz around them, but the election of Rutherford B. Hayes was shrouded in controversy. In fact, many believed that the win would go to his rival Samuel Tilden - but Hayes ultimately won on a technicality. As a result, he became the 19th president of the United States with a lengthy military and legal career under his belt.
Although his presidency divided a lot of people, there's no denying that Hayes was an intelligent man. He graduated from Harvard Law School and reportedly had an IQ of 133.9.
William Henry Harrison - IQ of 133.9
In recent years, many of the presidents of the United States have been at the older end of the spectrum. But during America's infancy, this wasn't common at all. In fact, when William Henry Harrison became the 9th president of the United States at 67 years old, he officially became the oldest president in history. This isn't what many people remember when they think of Henry Harrison, though, as he's also famous for something else.
Although Harrison had a lot of promise, with an IQ of 133.9, he passed away just 32 days after he was elected when he contracted pneumonia. Because of this, he's also the president with the shortest presidential term.
Franklin Pierce - IQ of 134.8
Being president of the United States is no easy task, especially when your country is at war with itself. But that's something that Franklin Pierce signed himself up for, and he later became the 14th president of the United States from 1853 until 1857. Spurred on by his legal and military career, he found himself in the midst of a divide between North and South while the country was on the brink of Civil War.
While he's often ranked as one of the least favorable presidents of all time, there's no doubt that he was a smart man. In fact, he had an IQ of 134.8.
Millard Fillmore - IQ of 136
In today's day and age, the president of the United States is typically associated with either the Democratic or the Republican party. There was a time when this wasn't the case, though, and Millard Fillmore made his mark as a member of the Whig Party. He was the last president to be associated with this party and served as the 13th president of the United States from 1850 to 1853.
And while his high IQ of 136 may impress you, what you might not realize is that Fillmore never attended college himself as he could not afford it. Despite this, he founded his own college later down the line.
John Tyler - IQ of 136.2
Although John Tyler served as the 10th president of the United States, he never expected that to be on the cards for him. He was quite happy serving as the vice president, but everything changed when President William Henry Harrison died just a month into his term. Because of this, many people were slow to accept Tyler as their president, and almost all of his assumed cabinet decided to quit rather than work under him.
Despite this, Tyler was a smart man. He had an IQ of 136.2 and a college degree under his belt, and his judge father spent a lot of money on tutors when he was a youngster.
James Monroe - IQ of 138.6
James Monroe is a man often spoken about in schools, as he was the last of the Founding Fathers of America to become president of the United States. He served his term from 1817 until 1825 and was extremely well-regarded by his peers. In fact, the Era of Good Feelings occurred during his presidency, and many saw him as a smart man with high intelligence and the military and legal background to run a country.
Of course, there's no denying that he was extremely intelligent. Not only did he have an IQ of 138.6, but he also went to college to read law under Thomas Jefferson.
Andrew Johnson - IQ of 138.9
The death of Abraham Lincoln had such a profound effect on the world that many people often forget what came next - and that was the presidency of Andrew Johnson. He was sworn in to take Lincoln's place in the Oval Office after the assassination and served as the 17th president of the United States from 1865 until 1869. However, his position was not a popular one and resulted in the infamous impeachment trial of Andrew Johnson.
Despite the fact that his rivals wanted him out of the picture, Andrew Johnson was an extremely smart man with big plans for the future. To be more specific, he had an IQ of 138.9.
William Howard Taft - IQ of 139.5
To become president of the United States, you need to work your way up the presidential ladder. Most former presidents started with small-town politics and legal careers, as well as military careers. This was the case for William Howard Taft, who was chosen to succeed Theodore Roosevelt in the Oval Office. After graduating from Yake, he then became a practising lawyer before becoming a judge. He continued up from there until he became president in 1909.
With this rich employment history under his belt, it should probably come as no surprise to learn that William Howard Taft was an extremely smart man. He had an IQ of 139.5, and he even became the tenth chief justice of the United States after his presidency.
James Buchanan - IQ of 139.6
From an early age, James Buchanan knew that he wanted to be involved in the world of politics and spent his spare time at college studying the Constitution of the United States. Upon graduation, he started to make his way up the political ladder and eventually became the 15th president of the United States. However, he's largely remembered as the only president in history to stay single throughout the entirety of his term.
Although Buchanan never found a First Lady to live with in the White House, he had a lot to offer - including a very high IQ. It's reported that he had an IQ of 139.6.
Harry S. Truman - IQ of 139.8
Although most of the presidents on this list had political careers before becoming president, many also served as vice presidents before assuming the seats themselves. This was the case for Harry S. Truman, who was the vice president of Franklin Roosevelt. However, he only had this job for a few weeks before he was tasked with taking over the country and rising up the ladder when Roosevelt sadly passed away.
Despite his quick succession, Truman held his place in the Oval Office from 1945 until 1953 and was forced to make a play on divisive foreign affairs during his time on top. And his IQ of 139.8 probably helped him in that.
Zachary Taylor - IQ of 139.8
Although it's not a prerequisite in today's day and age, historically, presidents were chosen based on their military merit alongside their political agendas. And it's for that reason that Zachary Taylor became the 12th president of the United States. In fact, Zachary rose to fame as the major general in the U.S. Army and was particularly essential in helping America win the Mexican-American war. Because of this, he was voted in to become president.
Although he only served for a year before he passed away, there's no doubt that Zachary's 139.8 IQ helped him make all-important decisions during his time at the top of the political ladder.
Warren G. Harding - IQ of 139.9
An Ohio man through and through, Warren G. Harding spent most of his years in his home state before moving to climb the political ladder. And he reached the top when he became the 29th president of the United States. But despite his rural upbringing, Harding was a smart man who dabbled in publishing, law, insurance sales, and even teaching. In fact, he made his way to college when he was just 14 years old.
Despite his high IQ of 139.9, Harding's life was not free of scandal. And when he passed away, scandals such as the Teapot Dome and his affairs outside of his marriage were brought to the public's attention.
Chester Arthur - IQ of 141.5
Like many of the other former presidents on this list, Chester Arthur had no idea that he would one day become president of the United States. Although he embarked on a political career and eventually worked his way up to become vice president under James A. Garfield, he didn't know that this would lead to his own presidential run. Despite this, he became the 21st president of the United States after Garfield's death.
Arthur ultimately served one term as president and even made waves to secure a second term with his IQ of 141.5, but his ill health prevented him from putting all of his efforts into it.
Lyndon B. Johnson - IQ of 140.6
Lyndon B. Johnson had big shoes to fill when he became president. Although he had already made his mark as vice president, he was forced into the position after the assassination of JFK. He later won the votes and officially became the 36th president of the United States and served from1963 to 1969. During his time in the Oval Office, Johnson focused on his 'Great Society' domestic programs, which aimed to improve the lives of the American people.
In fact, Johnson had lots of plans for his time in office (some with much support, while others weren't as popular) and he certainly had his above-average IQ of 140.6 to help with that.
James Garfield - IQ of 141.5
Before he became the 20th president of the United States, James Garfield had made his mark as one of the best politicians in America. Although he was born into poverty, he pushed hard to achieve his goals and later became a preacher, lawyer, and Civil War general. As if that wasn't enough, he also served nine terms as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. He later became president in 1881.
And while it's clear to see that his IQ of 141.5 helped him achieve his goals and help the country as a whole, many people didn't agree with his ideas. As a result, he was assassinated 200 days into his presidency.
Herbert Hoover - IQ of 141.6
On paper, Herbert Hoover was the perfect presidential candidate. His intelligence was noticeable at a young age, and his IQ of 141.6 helped him graduate from the prestigious Stanford University with a degree in engineering. Then, he went on to become a mining engineer, humanitarian, and politician. But when he became the 31st president of the United States, it's fair to say that the country was in poor shape and he had a lot riding on his shoulders.
Yes, Hoover sat in the Oval Office during the start of the Great Depression, and responsibility fell on him to restore the country to its former glory. His term came to an end in 1933, though.
Richard Nixon - IQ of 142.9
Richard Nixon is perhaps one of the most well-known former presidents on this list. After serving as the vice president to President Dwight D. Eisenhower, he decided to run himself for the 1969 term. He then became the 37th president of the United States. Under his leadership, he was part of the Apollo 11 moon landing, reduced military action in the Vietnam War, and the creation of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
But while his IQ of 142.9 certainly held him in good stead to complete a second term, it ultimately ended early when he was forced to resign due to the Watergate scandal.
Barack Obama - IQ of 145
Barack Obama made history in 2009 when he became the first African-American president of the United States. And while most know him as the 44th president, it's fair to say that Barack Obama had an impressive career before he moved into the White House. Thanks to his IQ of 145, he not only secured a degree in political science from Columbia University, but he then studied at Harvard Law School to become a civil rights attorney and professor.
Before too long, he was working his way up the political ladder, and he was then able to maintain two consecutive terms in the Oval Office before stepping aside as per the presidential term limit.
Abraham Lincoln - IQ of 148
Abraham Lincoln is generally regarded as one of the most famous American presidents of all time. In fact, you may have even visited the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. However, while Lincoln was a president like any other, he was the president who made big changes that affected the trajectory of the country and the American people. Most notably, he made waves when he abolished slavery in 1863 and helped the country through the Civil War.
Those who knew Lincoln noted that he was an extremely intelligent man, and that's seen by his IQ of 148. However, his life and legacy came to an end in 1865 when he was assassinated.
Franklin D. Roosevelt - IQ of 150
Many former presidents of the United States have ties to Ivy League colleges, and this was no different for Franklin D. Roosevelt. Born to a wealthy family of intelligent people, Franklin followed in his father's footsteps and studied at Harvard University - but he also studied at Columia University, too. And with an IQ of 150, he certainly didn't struggle in any of his classes. And this continued when he became president.
Considered to be one of the most beloved presidents of all time, Roosevelt is still known as the longest-serving president in history. In fact, he served four terms in total.
John F. Kennedy - IQ of 150.8
It should come as no surprise to learn that former presidents of the United States were extraordinary people with impressive resumes, and this was also the case with John F. Kennedy. As if becoming the youngest president in history wasn't enough, Kennedy also had a degree from Harvard University as well as a prestigious military career and a Pulitzer Prize under his belt. So, his IQ of 150.8 might not surprise you.
But while JFK seemed to have everything going for him, he sadly only lasted 1000 days in the Oval Office. Before he had the chance to complete his term, he was assassinated.
Theodore Roosevelt - IQ of 153
The Roosevelt name is famous in the world of politics. But before Franklin made his way into the Oval Office, his fifth cousin Theodore had his turn - and Teddy Roosevelt served as the president of the United States from 1901 until 1909. This role was thrust upon him after the shocking assassination of his predecessor, but it's fair to say that he was qualified for the job. Especially with an IQ of 153.
In fact, Theodore Roosevelt was so intelligent he could graduate from two of the most prestigious universities in America - Columbia University and Harvard Law School. So, he was a great fit for politics.
Woodrow Wilson - IQ of 155.2
Although many people dream of one day sitting in the Oval Office, being president is definitely not a job that can be taken lightly. Many of the presidents on this list have had to deal with unprecedented moments in history, and Woodrow Wilson is known as the man who helped end World War I. But with an IQ of 155.2 and an impressive education under his belt, he was well-versed to traverse such difficulties.
To be more precise, Woodrow Wilson studied at countless prestigious universities, including Johns Hopkins, Princeton University, and the University of Virginia. After that, he worked his way up the political ladder to become the 28th president of the United States.
Jimmy Carter - IQ of 156
The presidents on this list often have a lot of things in common. Most have some kind of military experience, as well as an impressive education and either a humanitarian or legal background. And after graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy, Jimmy Carter worked his way up the ranks before pivoting to politics. And while he started off as a state senator, he eventually became the 39th president of the United States.
During his time in the Oval Office, Carter focused primarily on the civil rights movement and creating peace worldwide. Alongside all of that, he also had an IQ of 156, which is well above average.
Donald Trump - IQ of 156
When Donald Trump became the 45th president of the United States in 2017, he proved to everyone that you don't need to have a decades-long career in the world of politics. After all, Trump is best known for being a businessman, real estate tycoon, and even a reality TV star. But he does have a degree similar to that of others on this list, as Trump has a degree in economics from the University of Pennsylvania.
But while the other presidents on this list were tested in terms of their IQ, Donald Trump refused time and time to do this. According to his own claims, however, he has an IQ of 156.
Bill Clinton - IQ of 159
Taking his place as the 42nd president of the United States in 1993 was Bill Clinton, and he proved to be so popular that he served for two terms overall. But it seemed like Bill was destined to make his way into politics. After graduating from Georgetown University, he decided to study at Yale Law School, and before too long, he was serving as the state attorney general in his home state of Arkansas.
With this in mind, his high IQ of 159 probably doesn't surprise you. After all, he used this to his advantage while serving as the leader of his great country.
James Madison - IQ of 160
James Madison was so much more than just the 4th president of the United States. He was also one of the Founding Fathers of the country and was known as one of the key writers behind the Constitution of the United States and the Bill of Rights. As a result, he was aptly nicknamed the "Father of the Constitution." Of course, his experience and his bold ideas helped him become an impressive president, but so did his 160 IQ.
His intelligence was obvious from an early age, too. When he was younger, Madison studied at the College of New Jersey - which was later renamed to become Princeton University.
Thomas Jefferson - IQ of 168
Almost all of the Founding Fathers of America had their turn at the presidency, and Thomas Jefferson became the 3rd president of the United States. He served his country from 1801 until 1809 and is credited as one of the most important players in the political game. In fact, many people believe that he shaped the country into what it is today - and he probably had his high IQ of 168 to thank for that.
Aware of how much his own education helped to shape him as a person and as a leader, Jefferson later founded the University of Virginia in an effort to help other youngsters achieve their potential.
John Quincy Adams - IQ of 175
The president with the highest IQ of all time goes to John Quincy Adams, who was the 6th president of the United States. And while many people expected John to follow his father's footsteps and lead the country, nobody expected him to be as smart or as intelligent as he was. Not only did John graduate from the prestigious Harvard University, but he was also fluent in a whopping seven languages.
His IQ was 175, which is well above average. And it's for that reason that he's considered to be one fo the most influential presidents of the United States of all time.