Evaluate your short-term memory capacity — the ability to hold and process small amounts of information for brief periods.
Short-term memory is your brain's ability to hold a small amount of information in an active, readily available state for a short period. It's essential for everyday tasks like following conversations, remembering phone numbers, and completing multi-step instructions. This assessment evaluates your short-term memory function through self-reported everyday experiences.
This test is designed for entertainment and self-reflection purposes. Results are not clinically validated and should not be used as a substitute for professional assessment.
Short-term memory (STM) refers to the system that holds a limited amount of information in mind for a brief period — typically seconds to minutes. It's the 'working surface' of cognition: the place where information stays while you're actively using it.
The classic estimate of short-term memory capacity is 7±2 items (Miller's Law), though more recent research suggests the true limit may be closer to 4 chunks. Chunking — grouping items into meaningful units — significantly extends effective STM capacity.
Short-term memory is the first place affected by inattention, stress, sleep deprivation, and early cognitive decline. Testing it is a useful window into overall cognitive health.