Ulysses S. Grant - IQ 130
It is worth recollecting that an average person’s IQ lies anywhere between the range of 85 and 115. So, Ulysses S. Grant’s 130 points aren’t as bad as this list makes it seem! While questions have been raised about his involvement in the distillers’ incident, the 18th President’s ability to carry out his duties has never been a matter of contention.
Moreover, Grant was a military commander who represented the Union Army during the American Civil War and even served as the Secretary of War. Now, such a position couldn’t have been handled by a person who wasn’t smart enough!
James Monroe - IQ 138.6
As a founding father and a president of the country, James Monroe oversaw numerous domestic issues that dominated American society. Despite having a low IQ compared to other leaders of the time, James is considered one of the most efficient presidents by political scientists and historians.
Monroe supported the Missouri Compromise, handled tense moments, and played an essential role in uniting the nations. That is quite an illustrious resume for a man who never went to college, and his IQ of 138.6 indeed does not reflect this - a remarkably impressive gentleman indeed.
Warren G. Harding - IQ 139.9
Warren G. Harding’s time in the White House was filled with speculations and issues, but he was never embroiled in such events directly. In fact, he was titled as the 'man of peace' by journalists and historians who covered his tenure.
As the 29th President of the USA, Harding was a staunch believer of the ideology that the economy was the only thing that could drive the country towards richness and also worked to reduce the public debt. All of this is not bad for a statesman who had an IQ close to 140, isn’t it?
George W. Bush - IQ 138.5
Contentiously, George W. Bush was known for not being able to capture the audience's attention and unpopular policy decisions. While the former president did forge a tremendous political career for himself, his school and college grades suggest that he wasn't the best student.
Nevertheless, the man holds the distinction of being the only country head who entered the office with an MBA! The popular columnist David Brooks once famously quipped that Bush Junior's IQ seemed 60 points higher when one met him in person. Maybe this was an act all along?
Andrew Johnson - IQ 138.9
After making a sudden entrance into the public eye as Abraham Lincoln’s running mate, Andrew Johnson was named as the country’s top leader in 1865. While his IQ score suggests that he was quite smart, the North Carolina man’s views and personal biases let many Americans down.
Johnson went on to become the first-ever President to serve in the Senate after leaving the White House in 1869. He had a surprisingly good run in the political arena, especially given that he had no background or degrees to back his candidature!
Zachary Taylor - IQ 139.8
Contrary to popular belief, Zachary Taylor's demise wasn't due to overeating of cherries alone! The former military man probably had diarrhea or dysentery, which might have drastically worsened due to the little red fruit's consumption.
Prior to these incidents, Taylor had proved himself to be an able commander during the Mexican-American War and justified his 139.8 IQ score with some brilliant decisions. As far as his presidency is concerned, the poor man had as little as fifteen months in office, and that couldn't have been enough for Taylor to show his mettle!
James Buchanan - IQ 139.6
Honestly, it is surprising that James Buchanan's IQ score stands only at 139.6! The 17th President of the USA was a polymath who served as a private in the military, a lawyer registered with the Pennsylvania Bar Association, and a Secretary of State.
In his lifetime, Buchanan had predicted that history would vindicate his actions, and that proved to be true to a certain extent. While the man had a tough time in the office, historians suggest that he could have done much better had it been a different era.
Andrew Jackson - IQ 145
Andrew Jackson was always famous for believing in the common man, but his love for dueling really stood out! At one point, the trigger happy gentleman even had a close shave when a bullet struck him near his chest, and yet, Andrew went on to compete in at least a hundred other duels.
If that wasn’t enough, Jackson taught his parrot Polly a few swear words, which made the bird more problematic than sensational. Although he was undeniably intelligent, whether Andrew put that IQ to a worthy use is for historians to decide!
William Howard Taft - IQ 139.5
William Howard Taft’s IQ hovered near the 140-mark, indicating that he was more than capable of running the ship. Most of his policies and other welfare measures ended up flying under the radar, while his contributions as a chief justice do get due credit.
Many historians feel that Taft was probably cut out for something else other than being president. In some great detail, the man went on to explain how dissatisfied he was with his time in the White House - Sounds quite like the story of an average American worker!
Gerald Ford - IQ 140.4
Gerald Ford might have become the 38th President of the USA after a less than ideal start, but he is still credited for holding the fort well and instilling confidence among people. It isn't a surprise given the fact that he was a triple delight - beauty, brawns, and brains - for the American people!
A little known fact about Ford is that he was an excellent football player and skier in his college days. Besides, he also modeled for the iconic Cosmopolitan magazine before becoming the country's most powerful man!
Calvin Coolidge – IQ 141.6
In 1924, when Calvin Coolidge assumed the White House as the 30th US President, he had a quiet and remarkable personality. Even though his 141.6 IQ is right in the middle as far as the average for the American leaders goes, Coolidge impacted his country. To this day, he is remembered by many as the champion of the poor and the middle class.
Besides, succeeding Harding seemed to be pretty challenging for him, primarily because of his predecessor's policies left behind. But Coolidge successfully restored public confidence in the federal government.
Harry S. Truman - IQ 139.8
Harry S. Truman is best known for leading the American nation through two of the World Wars and the beginning of the Soviet-era Cold War. Well, we think that it would be fair to say that Truman was thrown-deep in rather suddenly. Interestingly, he only had weeks as the Vice President before becoming the President following Roosevelt's demise.
After taking charge of the White House, Truman told the news reporters that he felt like the whole universe fell on him. We would say that he performed well despite the massive burden for a man with an IQ of 139.8.
Lyndon B. Johnson - IQ 140.6
After John F. Kennedy's unfortunate demise, President Lyndon B. Johnson had pretty big shoes to fill with 140.6 IQ. And it would be right to say that he did his best to pull the nation out of the crisis. Domestically, President Johnson's outstanding policies, including the war on poverty and a better society, led to several civil rights legislation. Apart from that, the Americans his pro-middle class economic policies.
Besides, not many people know that Johnson is one of the only four people who have served in all the top federal positions in the US government.
Herbert Hoover - IQ 141.6
Herbert Hoover's presidency took place during the 1929's stock-market crash. And believe us, even with an IQ of 141.6, it was pretty challenging to handle the situation. However, we think that he did well and led the nation through a critical time. Despite his efforts to stabilize the economy, millions of Americans lost jobs and homes after the crash.
You might not know, but the musical film Annie aptly portrays the atmosphere across the country during his time as the President. So we recommend giving it a watch to get a feel of the Herbert era.
Ronald Reagan - IQ 141.9
Ronald Reagan's win in the presidential elections stunned millions across the world as the former actor was now the President of the most powerful country. Following his rise to power, we now think that perhaps politics and acting have a lot in common. With 141.9 IQ, it would be fair to say that Reagan is almost average on our list.
But it appears that he was among the most popular politicians in the country. If you are a fan, you might remember his famous slogan "peace through strength." During his presidency, Ronald managed to revive the economic growth and stability of his country.
George H.W. Bush - IQ 143
With a decent IQ of 143, George H.W. Bush was loved by millions worldwide for all the right reasons. During his time in the presidential office, Bush worked towards building a softer and kinder image of the US. Thanks to his extraordinary wit, he took on several challenges and saved the American nation from big potential disasters, including the crisis in Cuba and Iraq.
But it seems that his gentle approach and his policies could not indefinitely delay his departure from the Oval Office. Yet only, a few terms later, his son would take charge as the President.
William McKinley - IQ 143.4
William McKinley's election breathed new life into the US economy as the country was recovering from the Depression and industry proliferation. Let us tell you that he is above average on our list of presidents. Well, you might be wondering, why? William's unfailing support for the gold standard is what won him a good ranking.
Unfortunately, with the abrupt end of McKinley's term, the Congress passed legislation charging the Secret Service with presidential security. The department has since then done an admirable job of keeping the heads of state safe both during and after their time in office.
James K. Polk - IQ 143.4
Almost everyone agrees that James K. Polk was undoubtedly one of the most influential Presidents in American political history. Not only he tackled significant territorial disputes, but he also brought a real change in fiscal policy and the banking sector. Besides, Polk is credited for the emerging victor in the Mexican war and even managed to maintain peace with the UK.
Even though James fulfilled his campaign promise of staying President only for one term, the job's stress left him in poor health. It seems that even a high IQ of 143.4 did not increase tolerance for all that stress!
Grover Cleveland - IQ 144
Here is another interesting man on our list. With 144 IQ, Grover Cleveland's two terms in the White House should not come as a surprise. But not many people know that he served two non-consecutive terms in office, making him the only President to do so. Grover slowly rose to the high ranks throughout his political career, starting as a sheriff in New York County and was then later elected as the mayor of the city.
Cleveland's fiscal conservatism and crusade of political reforms made him the sweetheart of the US conservatives of that time. Plus, fighting corruption, bossism and patronage were among his most lauded moves.
Richard Nixon - IQ 142.9
At last, we have Richard Nixon, the man known for ending American involvement in Vietnam. Not only that but with the assistance of a key ally in Asia, Pakistan, Nixon also embarked on an official visit to Beijing. His visit eventually ended in the establishment of diplomatic relations between the arch-rivals. But despite his tremendous achievements, political experts label him as an average president with an IQ of 142.9.
However, before his term ended, Nixon found himself mired in circumstances that eventually led to his resignation from the office - Some say it was his best decision.
Dwight Eisenhower - IQ 145.1
Widely considered among the most popular presidents in the United States history, Dwight Eisenhower was credited with making significant changes in the nation. From the formation of NASA to building the interstate highways, the 34th American President was one of a kind, with an impressive list of achievements that endeared him to the masses.
With an IQ of 145, it's no wonder Eisenhower had an array of talents, and he was an avid golfer and a fantastic painter, who made over 250 paintings! While he didn't acknowledge his creative work as incredibly good, we think he had more than a few masterpieces to his name.
Benjamin Harrison - IQ 145.4
Nicknamed 'Little Ben' because of his short build, Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President, who helped influence the United States foreign policy, making them one of the most powerful nations in the world. During his time, there was massive growth in electrical technology, and Harrison made sure that the White House was running on electric lighting.
Despite his light work, did you know that Benjamin had electrophobia, that's the fear of electricity? Yes, after installing the lights in the presidential digs, the President wouldn't turn them on for fear of getting electrocuted - Talk about unusual phobias.
George Washington - IQ 140
As one of the Founding Fathers, George Washington was the first president of the United States, and his term set the tone for the rest of the leaders who came after him, putting the nation on the map as a growing democracy. George's legacy is felt to date, as he lay the foundations of what the country is today.
With an IQ of 140, Washington was a brilliant political leader and a brave soldier, and a shrewd businessman. After his term ended, the President ventured into business, managing one of the largest distilleries at the time. The man had quite the retirement plan!
Martin Van Buren - IQ 146
Martin Van Buren was the 8th president of the US and is famous for being the man who founded the Democratic Party. While he was pretty intelligent if his IQ figure is anything to go by, he was not all that popular among his country people, and he didn't manage to secure a second term in the White House.
Van Buren might have had an uneventful time as the leader of the free world nation, but he contributed massively to the political sphere by introducing a party that is one of the most popular factions to date. If that isn't an impact, we don't know what is.
Rutherford B. Hayes - IQ 146.3
The 1876 election that saw Rutherford B. Hayes clinch the top seat was a strange one; the war hero found himself nominated as the Republican candidate. With victory seemingly heading to his opponent Samuel Tilden a Democrat, a technicality ensured that Hayes won the presidency. A bit strange, right?
While Hayes's term is now mostly lost to time, in Paraguay, he is a hero whose negotiation between the Paraguayans and Argentines over the borderland resulted in 60% of their land being returned. So much was his impact that there's a football team named after him! The US might not revere him, but the Paraguay nationals regard him highly.
William Henry Harrison - IQ 146.3
William Henry Harrison made history on three occasions through his term in office. During his inauguration ceremony in freezing weather, he delivered the longest speech that lasted one hour, 45 minutes.
After assuming office, Harrison lasted only 31 days, the shortest term in US history, and he was the first president to pass on while still in office. His demise was brought by pneumonia, which he contracted during the swearing-in ceremony that March morning. Sadly Harrison didn't stay long enough in his position to make significant changes as many at the time expected him to.
Franklin Pierce - IQ 147.4
Famously touted by Miller Center as someone with 'limited political ability,' Franklin Pierce was a US president whose influence in passing the Kansas-Nebraska Act as one of the most important laws in the nation will forever remain a pivotal contribution. Pierce had otherwise quite an uneventful stint in office, and he served only one term.
While many would disagree with his policies, he managed to impact the country's history significantly. With his above-average IQ, Pierce was a brilliant figure, and it is indeed unfortunate that he did not get to serve a second spell in office.
James A. Garfield - IQ 152.3
As the 20th president and the 10th smartest with an IQ of 152, James A. Garfield was a brilliant leader, whose term abruptly cut short when he tragically passed on after only six months in office. Despite his high intelligence, Garfield, unfortunately, didn't get a chance to lay the foundations and implement the policies he'd set out to achieve.
James didn't leave much in terms of a legacy, but it's not every day that one gets to be elected the President of the most powerful nation in the world. That in itself is a great accomplishment!
John Tyler - IQ 148
Famously known as 'His Accidency' (strange, we know), John Tyler was the 10th president of the United States, who assumed office after Harrison's tragic demise, who passed on one month after his inauguration. Since there was no pre-determined successor to Harrison in place, Tyler took the opportunity and found a judge who swore him in as the next President!
While his route to the top was a short, easy one, his term would turn out to be anything but - Though Tyler had quite an eventful time in office, he passed numerous pieces of legislation that remain significant in the country's history.
John Adams - IQ 155
Fondly remembered as one of the Founding Fathers, John Adams was the second president of the US. He played a big part in drafting the constitution and ending the Revolutionary War. With an IQ of 155, Adams was among the smartest political philosophers on the planet, and his impact on the nation's history is essential to date.
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, and Adam's son John Quincy Adams took after his father, and he too had an exceptionally brilliant mind! It seems there's a correlation between high IQ and long life since the former President passed on at the ripe age of 90.
Millard Fillmore - IQ 149
Although Millard Fillmore wasn't the most popular President to ever hold the office, he most certainly had his moments. As a man who came from nothing, his story of making it to the US's highest position is still inspiring.
He was a brilliant man with an affinity for books, and he once rushed to help fight a fire at the Library of Congress as the preservation of knowledge was very important to him. Having come from humble beginnings, Millard realized that expanding your horizons was essential and never failed to pass up the chance to improve things like his vocabulary.
Franklin D. Roosevelt - IQ 150.5
If ever there was a shining example of an American President that was respected by both his nation and the rest of the world, it was the magnanimous Franklin D. Roosevelt. He truly opened the public's eye to how government officials can genuinely have the people's best interests at heart.
Franklin's intelligence and compassion established him as a driving force in national and global politics, which saw him get elected to the highest office an incredible four times. We guess any politician with an IQ of over a hundred and fifty would be that successful, right?
Abraham Lincoln - IQ 150
There is no doubt that Abraham Lincoln is still one of the most revered Presidents ever to serve the United States. Even though Abraham did not even get to serve out his last term, his time in office was productive and historically memorable.
''Honest Abe'' as everyone lovingly called him, issued the monumental Emancipation Proclamation, which helped end slavery. Coming from humble beginnings himself, he knew how important it was to treat others as equals. Lincoln's high level of intelligence and compassion served him well, and thus it's no wonder that he remains one of the most recognized statesmen to have ever lived.
Chester Arthur - IQ 152.3
While Chester Arthur may today rank as one of the most intelligent Presidents ever to spend time in office, his administration wasn't known for being particularly noteworthy.
Granted, the man had to take over the office after President Andrew Garfield's term abruptly ended, which left him tending to a thoroughly disrupted government. It seems that even a man with an IQ of over a hundred and fifty isn't immune to struggling at running a country. Perhaps saying that the free world's former leader was simply 'going through the motions' would probably a better way of describing his term served.
Theodore Roosevelt - IQ 153
When Theodore Roosevelt took office, he became the youngest President ever to take the job. His reign came about after the term of William McKinley ended abruptly, and boy did Teddy make an impact!
Theodore was known for his strong views, policies, and love of boxing - a sport he kept on practicing even while sitting in the Oval Office. We reckon many people would agree that the States might have been better off in regards to former leaders if a few of those individuals engaged in a bit more physical activity like dear ol' Teddy here did!
Woodrow Wilson - IQ 155.2
Woodrow Wilson was not known for his speaking abilities. However, his leadership through unprecedented events like the First World Conflict remains a shining example of what manning the helm should be like, especially in trying times.
President Woodrow helped establish the Treaty of Versailles and created The League of Nations, which was essentially the forerunner of today's UN. While Wilson did not engage much verbally, the man left a sense of comfort in his followers through actually listening to them. A skill that some of his successors have not managed to develop despite its dire need. Woodrow most certainly made America and the world a better place to live.
Jimmy Carter - IQ 156.8
Although some consider former President Jimmy Carter amongst the more eccentric Commanders-In-Chief, everyone agrees that his views on peace and global unity remains an inspiration to this day. But his aspirations were grand and, unfortunately, not always achievable.
That's because this Nobel Peace Prize-winning leader facilitated a conflict resolution between Egypt and Israel, a feat that no one was certain could come about at all. A fun fact about Jimmy is that he was convinced he once spotted a UFO, and with everything we know about the universe today, we reckon this intelligent man might have been on to something!
James Madison - IQ 160
President James Madison is often overlooked when it comes to U.S. leaders, so we're here to tell you a little more about this gifted individual. With an IQ of one hundred and sixty, you know that this man was not one to be trifled with.
Before James held office himself, he acted as advisor and even Secretary of State to those that came before him. He was instrumental in establishing both the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Madison's great intellect and ability to work as a team player helped give America the freedom and rights that its citizens enjoy to this very day.
Bill Clinton - IQ 159
Well, who doesn't know who former President Bill Clinton is? Of course, we remember him for his absolutely fun personality as well as the fact that he was an incredible saxophone player!
Somehow Clinton once managed to misplace the country's nuclear launch codes for a few months while in office, which isn't what you would expect of a man who is mostly viewed as particularly intelligent. But despite his flaws, Bill remains one of the most beloved statesmen to have served the U.S., and Hillary has stood by him through thick and thin, so no harm no foul, we guess!
John F. Kennedy - IQ 159.8
Despite President Kennedy's affinity for having a good time, he was regarded as a remarkable statesman and was beloved by the people of America. Many of the speeches he made and philosophies he uttered remain inspirational to this day.
Sadly John's life and term were cut short before he truly had time to institute the policies and changes he was aiming to install. Many people believe that given enough time, the difference in how politics in both the U.S. and the world would have played out a lot differently if this incredibly gifted and charming man had gotten to serve the population in the way he wanted.
Thomas Jefferson - IQ 160
Thomas Jefferson was a political behemoth, and many would say the founding father was a person built for the Oval office. Starting off as a foreign minister and ending up in the white house is a feat most people wouldn't be able to handle since diplomacy is no walk in the park after all!
However, Jefferson's high IQ of 160 probably played a role in his success, and don't we love to see it. The former president even helped pen the declaration of independence, cementing his legacy in American history - showing how much faith the founding fathers had in the brilliant man.
John Quincy Adams - IQ 175
Coming in with an IQ of 175 is the smartest president to have run the White House. He goes by the name of John Quincy Adams, and he was and still is the epitome of brilliance.
Fluent in seven languages and an avid skinny dipper, John's IQ levels are staggering, to be honest. He scores above 99% of the population during his term in office, making his smarts all the more iconic. Even by today's standards, 150 is enough to place you high, let alone 175. As former US presidents go, it's safe to say none can match John when it comes to linguistic excellence.
Barack Obama - IQ Unknown
It's quite surprising that for a man who ran the first nation for two consecutive terms, his IQ rating remains under wraps. What makes this even more disheartening is the fact that Mr. Obama was the prime example of 'The American Dream.' His story touched many lives, and his legacy will echo throughout time.
Rumors of an IQ test taken by the former head of state long before joining college have been long since discredited. If that information was anything to go by, his score was pretty high even then, standing at 102. It is upsetting that we'll never know, but we doubt Obama's IQ would dwarf his achievements.
Donald Trump - IQ Unknown
Mr. Trump needs no introduction. This is a man who knows how to get things done. Say what you will about his political ideologies, but you must admit, his life is quite impressive.
From a business mogul to a reality tv star and finally landing the head of state position; This man's CV is a Hollywood blockbuster waiting to happen. Despite his time in the limelight, his score remains under wraps. Donald claims his IQ levels to be high, but without solid proof, this is just conjecture. Though hopefully, one day, Mr. Trump will silence the naysayers.
Joe Biden - IQ Unknown
The latest man to join the Oval Office ranks is good old Uncle Joe. However, we are inclined to believe that this president's lack of IQ information might be intentional - Especially since it's now three presidents in a row. Besides, two is a coincidence, but three is definitely a pattern.
Conspiracy theories aside, rising to the highest seat in the nation takes some tact and planning. It is for this reason we firmly believe Mr. Biden must have a very impressive score. After all, politics is a complicated game and him having managed to stay afloat this long is a testament to the statesman's brilliance.