Memory Test Score Calculator

Work out memory test score instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Memory Test Score Calculator

Free recall counts items remembered in any order, serial recall counts only those in the correct position, and order accuracy compares the two. Free recall and serial recall use different memory systems, which is why someone can list nine of fifteen items but place only four correctly.

Formula

Recall scores

free recall % = recalled / shown x 100; serial recall % = in order / shown x 100

Worked example

With the default values below, Memory Test Score Calculator returns Free recall score of 73.33%. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Items shownminimum 1: 15
Items recalledminimum 0: 11
Items recalled in the right orderminimum 0: 8

Results

Free recall score: 73.33%
Serial recall score: 53.33%
Order accuracy among recalled items: 72.73%
Items not recalled at all: 4

Step by step

1Values used
2Recall scores
3Free recall score= 73.33
4Serial recall score= 53.33
5Order accuracy among recalled items= 72.73
6Items not recalled at all= 4

Assumptions and limits

The result is derived only from the 3 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How is the Memory Test Score figure worked out?

free recall % = recalled / shown x 100; serial recall % = in order / shown x 100. Free recall counts items remembered in any order, serial recall counts only those in the correct position, and order accuracy compares the two.

Why does this matter?

Free recall and serial recall use different memory systems, which is why someone can list nine of fifteen items but place only four correctly.

What do I need to enter?

Enter items shown, items recalled, items recalled in the right order. The defaults shown are a realistic worked example — swap in your own figures to get a result you can use.