How the test works
- Press Test yourself in the game box above.
- Watch the shapes light up: circle, triangle, square, diamond.
- Repeat the sequence in the same order. Tap the shapes or use keys 1–4.
- Every correct level adds one more shape. At your first mistake, the test stops and shows the level you reached.
Your level is the length of the longest sequence you repeated correctly. Level 7 means you held and reproduced 7 shapes in the right order.
What it actually measures
The test measures visuospatial working memory: how many items you can keep active in mind for a few seconds, in the order they appeared. It follows the same idea as the “span” tasks used in research, such as the Corsi test, where someone taps a series of blocks and you repeat the order.
In the classic Corsi test, most adults reach a sequence of about 5–6 items. Here the four shapes always sit in the same place and have different colours, so you can use both colour and position. That is why Memory Flash scores are not directly comparable to Corsi norms. The fair comparison is with other players, which you see at the end.
To understand what is going on in your head during the test, read the guide to working memory.
How to read your result
| Level | What it usually means |
|---|---|
| 1–4 | Warming up or distracted. Try again after a short break; the second result is usually better. |
| 5–7 | Around the typical span in classic tests. A normal result for a first attempt. |
| 8–12 | Above the typical span. Usually happens when you group the sequence into chunks of 3–4 shapes. |
| 13+ | Very good. At this level almost everyone uses a strategy: rhythm, names for the shapes, paths on the grid. |
These bands are a rough guide. The percentile at the end is calculated from real attempts by other players and updates continuously, so it tells you more precisely where you stand.
Why your score changes from one attempt to the next
- Practice. The first 3–5 attempts almost always improve, because you are learning the game, not because your memory is growing.
- Tiredness and sleep. After a bad night, attention drops, and your score with it.
- Strategy. Grouping the shapes (“red-blue-green, then diamond”) can add 2–4 levels.
- Distractions. A single notification mid-sequence is enough to lose the order.
For results you can compare day to day, take the test at the same time of day after one warm-up attempt. Or play the Daily sequence, which is the same for everyone.
What this test is not
It is not a medical test and it cannot diagnose anything. A low score on one day does not mean you have a memory problem, and a high score does not rule one out. If you or someone close to you notices forgetfulness that gets in the way of daily life, talk to a GP or a neurologist.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the memory test take?
Usually 1 to 3 minutes. The test ends at your first mistake, so the length depends on how far you get.
Do I need an account?
No. You can take the test straight away. If you want to appear on the leaderboard and keep your best score on any device, just choose a nickname. We do not ask for an email or a password.
What is a good score on the memory test?
Most people pass level 5–6 within their first few attempts. Above 10 is a good result and above 13 is very good. The percentile at the end shows exactly how you compare with other players.
Why don’t I see my percentile?
The percentile only appears once enough attempts have been recorded on the server, so it is never based on too little data. If you are offline, you see only your level and personal best.
Can I retake the test?
Yes, as often as you like. Your personal best, the highest level you have reached, is kept.
Can this test detect Alzheimer’s or other memory problems?
No. It is a game that measures one ability in one situation. A real assessment needs a specialist and clinically validated tests.
Sources
- Kessels, van Zandvoort, Postma, Kappelle & de Haan (2000). The Corsi Block-Tapping Task: standardization and normative data. Applied Neuropsychology, 7(4).
- Corsi block-tapping test, Wikipedia: procedure and typical span.
- Cowan (2001). The magical number 4 in short-term memory. Behavioral and Brain Sciences, 24(1).