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 donโt necessarily predict success in school, life, or business.
Key Takeaways
- IQ (Intelligence Quotient) measures cognitive abilities, such as problem-solving, logical reasoning, and analytical skills.
- EQ (Emotional Quotient) measures emotional intelligence, including empathy, self-awareness, and interpersonal skills.
- IQ and EQ contribute to personal and professional success, but EQ plays a crucial role in social interactions and relationships.
IQ vs EQ
The difference between IQ and EQ is that the EQ, or Emotional Quotient, is a measure of a personโs 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 personโs 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 personโs mental age by his chronological age and multiplying by 100. The testโs goal is to measure a personโs 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 personโs intelligence level.
The phrase Emotional Quotient (EQ) is an acronym for the term Emotional Quotient, which is described as a personโs capacity to recognize his own and othersโ emotions. It is a measurement of an individualโs emotional intelligence, which distinguishes between distinct feelings and uses this intelligence to guide thought and behaviour.
Comparison Table
Parameters of Comparisonย | IQ | EQ |
---|---|---|
Definition | The Intelligence Quotient, or IQ, is a score derived from a standardized intelligence test that indicates a personโs ability to reason logically. | The term โEQโ refers to a personโs level of emotional intelligence as measured by standardized test scores. |
Measures | General Intelligence | Emotional Intelligence |
Ability | Learn, comprehend, and apply information, logical reasoning, and abstract reasoning. | Recognize, regulate, and express oneโs own emotions, as well as sense and appraise the emotions of others. |
Ensures | Success in school | Success in life |
Acquisition | It 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 personโs 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 personโs intelligence. An IQ test is used to determine a personโs IQ.
IQ tests measure both crystalline intelligence and fluid intelligence. Fluid intelligence is a personโs 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.
Itโs also worth noting because intelligence is an abstract term, and 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. Qualified psychologists can also administer these exams. 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 personโs emotional intelligence. It refers to our ability to recognize our own and othersโ emotions, differentiate and name distinct feelings, use emotional information to guide cognition and conduct and change emotions to match different situations. In other words, emotional intelligence (EQ) is recognising, analysing, and managing 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 behavioural tendencies are the focus of the trait model.
Furthermore, it is the simplest to administer and score. It is a personโs capacity to recognize, express, and manage his or her thoughts and behaviours, comprehend and correctly interpret other peopleโs situations, make correct and timely decisions, cope with stresses and crises, and so on.ย

Main Differences Between IQ and EQ
- The Intelligence Quotient (IQ) is a standardized intelligence test result that assesses a personโs ability to think rationally. The term EQ refers to an individualโs level of emotional intelligence, which is indicated through test results.
- IQ measures General Intelligence, whereas EQ measures Emotional Intelligence.
- 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 oneโs own emotions.
- A personโs success in school is determined by his IQ level, but his success in real life is determined by his EQ level.
- The Emotional Quotient is learned and improved. In contrast, the intelligence quotient is a natural ability.

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

Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.