How many digits can most people recall?

The classic finding in memory research is around 7 items, plus or minus 2, though this varies a lot person to person and can improve with practice.

Can I write the digits down as they flash?

The point is holding them in working memory without external aids, so try it without writing them down for a genuine measure of your span.

Digits can repeat within a sequence, so you can't rely on assuming every digit is unique, you need to track the actual order shown.

Recall growing lists of numbers in order — how many digits can you hold at once?

Runs in your browser

Memorize the digits as they flash, then type them back in order. The sequence grows each round.

1Click "Start" to watch a sequence of digits flash on screen one at a time, beginning with just a couple.
2Once the sequence finishes, type the digits back in the exact order they appeared.
3Get it right and the sequence grows by one digit for the next round.
4One wrong recall ends the test, your longest correctly recalled span is your score.

Number Recall Ladder

Memorize a digit string, then type it back — each round adds one more digit.

Dual N-Back Lite

Track a shape's position and a spoken letter across turns, and flag when either repeats from N steps back.

Word Memory Match

Flip cards to find matching word/definition pairs.

Sequence Recall

Watch a growing sequence flash, then repeat it back in order.

Distraction Focus Test

Spot the target word hiding among near-identical decoys.

Card Flip Match

Flip two cards at a time to find matching pairs before the timer runs out.