How the number memory test works
A number appears on the screen for a short time, shown a little longer as it gets bigger. When it disappears, type what you saw and press submit. Get it right and the next number is one digit longer; get it wrong and the game ends. Your score is the number of digits you managed to remember, so it climbs as high as your memory can carry it.
What is a good number memory score?
Most people can hold about seven digits in short-term memory — which is why phone numbers are around that length. Here is the rough scale:
- Under 6 digits — a quick, casual attempt.
- 7 digits — right around the human average.
- 9 to 11 digits — a strong memory.
- 12+ digits — excellent; you are chunking like a pro.
How to remember more digits
- Chunk the number into small groups, like a phone number: 4 8 1 — 9 2 6 rather than one long string.
- Say it in your head in a steady rhythm as it appears.
- Turn digits into a story or a date for the longer numbers — meaning is easier to hold than random digits.
Enjoy this? Try the pattern-based sequence memory and visual memory tests, or the chimp test.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good number memory score?
About 7 digits is average. 9 to 11 is a strong memory, and 12 or more is excellent.
Why is the number shown longer as it grows?
Longer numbers naturally take more time to read, so the display time scales with the number of digits to keep it fair.
How can I remember more digits?
Break the number into small chunks, like a phone number, and repeat it in a steady rhythm as it appears.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes. When it is time to answer, tap the box to bring up the numeric keypad and type the number.