Working Memory

Measure your brain's "scratchpad" capacity · how many items you can hold in active focus.

7
2
9
Remember
Type in Order
1All digits appear at once · memorise them
2Type them back in order. 3 mistakes ends the test
3Sequence gets longer each round

~2 minutes · Max Span: 9

1 digit
Get ready...
digits
Working Memory Span
LowerAverageHigher
🏆 Score Ranges
Superior
> 8 digits
Top 5%
Above Avg
7–8
Top 20%
Average
5–7
Most adults
Below Avg
< 5
Bottom 25%
🧠 Miller's Law

In 1956, George Miller proved the average human can hold 7 ± 2 items in short-term memory. Working memory is the cognitive "desk space" you use to hold information while manipulating it.

It is one of the core executive functions strongly affected by ADHD.

What Affects It?
😴SleepSleep deprivation impairs digit span by 1–2 digits.
🏃ExerciseAerobic exercise boosts prefrontal cortex function.
🧩ChunkingGrouping digits together expands effective capacity.
📱MultitaskingConstant task-switching weakens working memory.