Cognition · ~5 minutes
The classic digit-span task, done properly: digits appear one at a time, you recall them forward, then in reverse. Your span is compared against internal illustrative references — honestly, with no flattery.
You'll see digits appear one at a time. When the sequence ends, type it back. Recall at least one of two trials at a length to move up a digit. The test ends when both trials at a length fail — first forward, then in reverse order. Find a quiet moment; span is sensitive to distraction.
Watch closely — recall comes next.
Now the harder half: the digits will appear the same way, but you'll type them in reverse order. Backward span leans on executive control — it's normal for it to be one to two digits shorter.
Your result shows the longest successful forward and backward sequences and their difference in digits. These observations describe this sitting, not a population rank. Practice, distraction and strategy may affect a retake.
About this instrument
How many items you can hold and manipulate at once — the mental workbench that pattern, numeric, and verbal reasoning all borrow. Forward span isolates storage; backward span adds executive control.
Digits at a fixed ~0.9-second cadence, two trials per length, phase ends after two failures at one length. Forward starts at three digits, backward at two — the task ladder, self-administered.
Your result shows the longest successful forward and backward sequences and their difference in digits. These observations describe this sitting, not a population rank. Practice, distraction and strategy may affect a retake.
Not a clinical memory assessment and not a dementia screen. Span is state-dependent — sleep debt, stress, and noise lower it. An unusual result on one day means very little; a concern about real-life memory belongs with a clinician.
Scoring & evidence
The task estimates forward and backward digit span separately. Sequences increase in length, with two trials available at a given length, up to the tool's maximum span. Forward span mainly reflects short-term maintenance, while backward span adds a manipulation requirement because the sequence must be mentally reversed.
Your result shows the longest successful forward and backward sequences and their difference in digits. These observations describe this sitting, not a population rank. Practice, distraction and strategy may affect a retake.
Working-memory span is sensitive to distraction, rehearsal strategies, hearing/reading conditions, and familiarity with digit-span tasks. Use the result as a snapshot of this session rather than a diagnosis or a fixed capacity limit.
Interpretation standard: observations describe this task; internal indices are model or response summaries, not population rankings. Use the report for education and reflection. See the methodology for limitations.
Go deeper
The mental workbench behind every other domain — span, load, and limits.
Read PerformanceThe state factors that move your span — and how to test on a fair day.
Read TheoryWhere working memory sits in the machinery of reasoning.
Read MemoryWhat each term means, where they overlap, and what digit span samples.
ReadTestingPractice effects, familiarity, and how to read a retake.
ReadQuestions
Working-memory span — how many items you can hold and manipulate in mind at once — using the classic digit-span paradigm: digits are shown one at a time, and you recall them in order (forward) and then in reverse order (backward).
You get two trials at each length. Recalling at least one correctly moves you up a digit; failing both ends that phase. Your span is the longest length you recalled, compared against internal illustrative reference values — around 6–7 digits forward and 4–5 backward for most adults.
Forward span emphasizes short-term maintenance. Reversing the digits adds a manipulation requirement and greater attentional control, so the two phases are reported separately before they are summarized.
Your result shows the longest successful forward and backward sequences and their difference in digits. These observations describe this sitting, not a population rank. Practice, distraction and strategy may affect a retake.
The full reasoning assessment maps memory alongside pattern, numeric, verbal, and spatial reasoning.
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Place working memory inside a broader five-domain cognitive profile.
Continue your profileConnect memory demands with evidence-based study behavior.
Continue your profileSeparate memory limits from sustained-attention performance.
Continue your profileAdd a motivation-and-interests lens beyond cognitive performance.
Continue your profileTry once in a quiet space without writing the digits down. Forward span and backward span involve different demands. A tired day or repeated exposure can change the result; compare attempts made under similar conditions.
Try Study Habits TestCompare all assessmentsYour result shows the longest successful forward and backward sequences and their difference in digits. These observations describe this sitting, not a population rank. Practice, distraction and strategy may affect a retake.
Your result shows the longest successful forward and backward sequences and their difference in digits. These observations describe this sitting, not a population rank. Practice, distraction and strategy may affect a retake.
This is an educational task or self-assessment, not a diagnosis. Read the instructions above for the format and approximate time. Scores describe this task or your reported preferences; research on the underlying concept does not validate this implementation.
The engine calculates results in your browser. Completed report snapshots are saved locally in My AurorIQ; planning tools require an explicit save. You can export or delete saved data at /passport/. Separate hosting, analytics, advertising and optional sharing have separate data implications. Read the privacy notice, methodology, or report an error.
Working-memory theories describe temporary storage and use of information. A short forward/backward span task samples only particular demands and is not a clinical memory evaluation.
