Difference Between IQ and EQ (With Table)

The human mind is a wonder of complexity. Researchers and philosophers have been attempting to define it for ages. Researchers have used Intelligence Quotient (IQ) tests to determine what people know and how quickly they can solve issues using reasoning in the modern era. The notion of Emotional Intelligence (EI) has arisen as a means to represent another set of cognitive skills. IQ tests don’t necessarily predict success in school, life, or business.

IQ vs EQ

The difference between IQ and EQ is that the EQ, or Emotional Quotient, is a measure of a person’s capacity to comprehend his or her own emotions as well as the emotions of others, whereas IQ, or Cognitive Quotient, is a measure of a person’s intelligence level. Many people believe that IQ is more successful at work than EQ, but experts believe that people with high EQ are more successful in their careers.

The IQ Quotient is a standardized intelligence test result determined by dividing a person’s mental age by his chronological age and multiplying by 100. The test’s goal is to measure a person’s cognitive reasoning and thinking ability. The name was coined by William Stern, who was the first to use it. The results of an intelligence test are compared to the findings of other persons of the same age who took the same exam to determine a person’s intelligence level.

The phrase Emotional Quotient (EQ) is an acronym for the term Emotional Quotient, which is described as a person’s capacity to recognize his own and others’ emotions. It is a measurement of an individual’s emotional intelligence, which distinguishes between distinct feelings and uses this intelligence to guide thought and behavior.

Comparison Table Between IQ and EQ

Parameters of Comparison IQEQ
DefinitionThe Intelligence Quotient, or IQ, is a score derived from a standardized intelligence test that indicates a person’s ability to reason logically. The term “EQ” refers to a person’s level of emotional intelligence as measured by standardized test scores.
MeasuresGeneral Intelligence
Emotional Intelligence
AbilityLearn, comprehend, and apply information, logical reasoning, and abstract reasoning. Recognize, regulate, and express one’s own emotions, as well as sense and appraise the emotions of others.
Ensures Success in schoolSuccess in life
AcquisitionIt is a natural talent. It is a skill that can be learned and improved.

What is IQ?

The intelligence quotient, or IQ, is a measurement of a person’s cognitive capacity. IQ is a statistic that is believed to measure how well a person can solve issues using knowledge and reasoning. IQ is commonly thought of as a measure of a person’s intelligence. An IQ test is used to determine a person’s IQ.

Both crystalline intelligence and fluid intelligence are measured by IQ tests. Fluid intelligence is a person’s capacity to think, resolve issues, and grasp information, whereas crystallized intelligence is the knowledge and abilities we gain throughout our lives. The former is linked to learning and experience, and it becomes better as we get older. On the other hand, fluid intelligence is not dependent on learning and tends to deteriorate as we age.

It’s also worth noting that, because intelligence is an abstract term, a tangible measure of intelligence is impossible to attain. IQ tests come in a variety of formats. They may include a number of subtests that assess memory, reasoning, arithmetic skills, and information processing speed. These exams can also be administered by qualified psychologists. Academic placement (in college and university entrance examinations) and selection of candidates all involve IQ scores.

What is EQ?

An emotional quotient, or emotional intelligence, is a term used to describe a person’s emotional intelligence. It refers to our ability to recognize our own and others’ emotions, to differentiate and name distinct feelings, to use emotional information to guide cognition and conduct, and to change emotions to match different situations. In other words, emotional intelligence (EQ) is the ability to recognize, analyze, and manage emotions.

Emotional intelligence, according to academics, has four components: sensing emotions, reasoning with emotions, comprehending emotions, and controlling emotions. While some experts believe that EQ is a natural trait, others believe that it can be learned. EQ may also be measured using a variety of tests. Self-reported behavioral tendencies are the focus of the trait model.

Furthermore, it is the simplest to administer and score. It is a person’s capacity to recognize, express, and manage his or her thoughts and behaviors, comprehends and correctly interpret other people’s situations, makes correct and timely decisions, cope with stresses and crises, and so on. 

Main Differences Between IQ and EQ

  1. The Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is a standardized intelligence test result that assesses a person’s ability to think rationally. The term EQ refers to an individual’s level of emotional intelligence, which is indicated through test results.
  2. IQ measures General Intelligence, whereas EQ measures Emotional Intelligence.
  3. IQ has the ability to learn, comprehend, and apply information, logical reasoning, and abstract reasoning, whereas EQ has the ability to recognize, regulate, and express one’s own emotions.
  4. A person’s success in school is determined by his IQ level, but his success in real life is determined by his EQ level.
  5. The Emotional Quotient is learned and improved. In contrast, the intelligence quotient is a natural ability.


Different people have different levels of IQ and EQ. It is conceivable that a person has a high IQ but a poor EQ, and vice versa. Consequently, the methodologies for testing IQ and EQ differ. Your IQ determines your abilities and personal abilities, but your EQ affects how you connect with and treat others in your life and how you will deal with stress or crisis.

The distinction between these two is that no one can change his or her brain or thinking abilities. However, everyone may learn to manage his or her emotions in order to achieve success. Your capacity to perceive and manage emotion, as well as use social awareness in problem-solving, is referred to as emotional intelligence.


  1. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/joe.21777
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0191886912001705
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