Crystallized intelligence
Crystallized intelligence (Gc) is accumulated knowledge, vocabulary, and learned skills applied in familiar contexts.
Reviewed by: Scientific Review Team · Last reviewed: July 2026
Crystallized intelligence (Gc) grows through education, reading, and experience. Vocabulary tests and general knowledge items primarily tap Gc. A full IQ profile often includes both Gf and Gc indices.
Synonyms: Gc, crystallized ability
Related terms
Used in
- /official-iq-test-types/
- /official-iq-test-types/research/
- /official-iq-test-types/research/stanford-binet-test-explained/
- /official-iq-test-types/research/wais-iq-test-explained/
- /brain-cognitive-test/
- /brain-cognitive-test/research/
- /brain-cognitive-test/research/brain-test-vs-iq-test/
- /brain-cognitive-test/research/cognitive-ability-test-explained/
Related concepts
- expert · introduced
Raymond B. Cattell - reference · defines
Theory of Fluid and Crystallized Intelligence (1963)
FAQ
Which is more important, Gf or Gc?
Both contribute to real-world performance. Gf helps with novel problems; Gc helps with tasks requiring stored knowledge.
Scientific sources
- Horn, J. L., & Cattell, R. B. (1966). Refinement and test of the theory of fluid and crystallized intelligence.