How the test works
- Numbered squares appear on the board, starting with 4.
- Click square 1. All the other numbers hide.
- Click the remaining squares in order from memory.
- Each round you pass adds a number. A mistake costs a life, and you have 3 lives.
What it measures
This test is based on a 2007 Kyoto University study where young chimpanzees beat university students at remembering the positions of briefly shown numbers. It measures how much visual-spatial information you can capture at a glance and hold in working memory.
What is a good score?
| Score | Better than about |
|---|---|
| 15 numbers | 99% of people (top 1%) |
| 12 numbers | 90% of people (top 10%) |
| 11 numbers | 75% of people |
| 9 numbers | 50% of people (average) |
| 7 numbers | 25% of people |
Estimated from typical scores for this kind of test.
Tips to improve
- Before clicking 1, scan the board and trace the route through all the numbers.
- Break the route into small chunks, such as 1 to 4 and 5 to 8.
- Take your time before the first click; the numbers stay visible until then.
- Notice shapes the route makes, like a zigzag or a loop.
Frequently asked questions
Are chimps really better at this test?
In the original study, chimpanzees trained on the task recalled number positions faster and more accurately than humans when the numbers were shown very briefly. Humans can catch up with practice.
What is a good chimp test score?
Reaching 9 numbers is about average. 12 or more puts you in roughly the top 15%.
Is there a time limit?
No. The numbers stay visible until you click 1, so you can study the board for as long as you like.