Digit Span (Working Memory)
Test your verbal working memory capacity by recalling sequences of digits that increase in length.
Estimated duration: 3–5 minutes
About This Experiment
The Digit Span task is a classic measure of verbal working memory — the cognitive system responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information. In the forward digit span variant, you are shown a sequence of digits one at a time and must recall them in the correct order. The sequence length starts short and increases adaptively as you answer correctly. Your maximum span — the longest sequence you can reliably recall — is a robust indicator of working memory capacity, which is linked to academic achievement, fluid intelligence, and everyday cognitive functioning.
How It Works
- Digits are presented on screen one at a time at a steady pace.
- After the full sequence is shown, you type the digits in the same order.
- If you answer correctly, the next sequence is one digit longer.
- If you make two errors at the same span length, the task ends.
Key Metrics
Maximum Span
The longest sequence recalled correctly, reflecting working memory capacity
Accuracy
Percentage of sequences correctly recalled across all span lengths
Response Time
Time taken to enter each recall response
Span Progression
How far beyond the starting span you were able to advance
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