Digit Span Test (DST)
Welcome to the Digit Span Test. Evaluate your memory capacity and explore your cognitive performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Have another question? Let us know.
What does digit span measure?
Verbal short-term memory — how many digits you can hold and recall immediately. Backward recall additionally loads working-memory control processes.
What is a typical span?
Most adults recall about 5-9 digits forward (the classic 7±2 estimate); backward span is usually about two items shorter. Small day-to-day differences are normal.
Does a low span mean something is wrong?
No. Attention, sleep, stress, language, and strategy can move span by several items. Proper clinical assessment uses standardized administration and population norms, not a single online run.
Can I train my span?
Practicing the exact task improves scores, but evidence that digit-span training transfers broadly to other skills is weak. Chunking digits into groups is an honest, classic strategy.
Show Details
Detailed Introduction
This experiment measures your short-term memory capacity using digit sequences. This test includes a forward digit span task (recalling digits in order) and a reverse digit span task (recalling digits backwards) to help assess your overall short-term memory ability.
Test Instructions
Watch the sequence of digits shown on screen and then input them in order. The test will gradually increase in difficulty.
References
- Jacobs, J. (1887). Experiments on "prehension". Mind, 12(45), 75-79.
- Richardson, J. T. E. (2007). Measures of short-term memory: A historical review. Cortex, 43(5), 635-650. 10.1016/S0010-9452(08)70493-3
- Baddeley, A. (2003). Working memory: Looking back and looking forward. Nature Reviews Neuroscience, 4(10), 829-839. 10.1038/nrn1201
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About This Experiment
This experiment is an educational adaptation for demonstration purposes. It is not a clinical diagnostic tool. Results reflect your performance in this specific session and should not be interpreted as an assessment of your cognitive abilities.
Data Privacy
Your experiment data is processed and stored locally in your browser. No data is uploaded to any server unless you explicitly export it.
