EQ stands for Emotional Quotient — a measure of your emotional intelligence. Just like an IQ score reflects cognitive ability, an EQ score reflects how well you understand, manage, and use emotions in everyday life. But unlike IQ, EQ is made up of multiple emotional skills — and it can grow over time.
What Does an EQ Score Measure?
An EQ score is not based on knowledge or logic puzzles. It’s based on how you respond to emotional situations, how well you regulate your own feelings, and how skillfully you relate to others. Most EQ assessments evaluate five key components, sometimes called the pillars of emotional intelligence:
- Self-Awareness – Recognizing your own emotions in real time
- Self-Regulation – Managing impulses, stress, and emotional reactions
- Motivation – Staying focused and resilient through challenges
- Empathy – Understanding the emotions of others
- Social Skills – Communicating clearly, building relationships, resolving conflict
Your final EQ score is a combination of your performance across these areas.
How Are EQ Scores Reported?
EQ scores are often presented in two ways:
- Raw Score – A number, often between 0 and 100, showing your overall result
- Percentile Rank – How you compare to other people (e.g., “You’re in the 72nd percentile”)
A percentile rank helps you see where you fall compared to others — for example, a 50th percentile means your emotional intelligence is average, while a 90th percentile means you're higher than 90% of those tested.
What Is Considered a Good EQ Score?
- Below 50th percentile: May indicate challenges in emotional awareness or regulation
- 50th–75th percentile: Solid emotional intelligence, functional in most settings
- 75th–90th percentile: Strong EQ, especially useful in leadership and relationships
- 90th–100th percentile: Exceptional emotional intelligence — rare and impactful
Unlike IQ, EQ can be improved with practice, reflection, and intention. The score is not fixed — it’s a snapshot of your current emotional habits and skills.