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Working Memory Span Calculator

Work out working memory span instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Working Memory Span Calculator

Span is scored as the longest fully correct sequence plus partial credit for successes at the next length. Six items plus one of three trials at seven gives 6.33. Typical adult digit span is 7 plus or minus 2, but backward and operation spans run lower at around 4-5 because they demand manipulation as well as storage.

Formulas

Span score

span = longest correct length + (partial successes / trials per length)

Typical values

forward digit span 7 plus or minus 2; backward and operation spans 4-5

Worked example

With the default values below, Working Memory Span Calculator returns Working Memory Span of 6.33. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

Longest sequence recalled correctlyminimum 1 items
6 items
Correct trials at the next lengthminimum 0
1
Trials attempted at each lengthminimum 1
3

Results

Working Memory Span
6.33 items
Longest Fully Correct Length
6
Partial Credit Added
0.333
Interpretation
Within the typical adult range

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Span score
  3. 3Typical values
  4. 4Working Memory Span= 6.33 items
  5. 5Longest Fully Correct Length= 6
  6. 6Partial Credit Added= 0.333
  7. 7Interpretation= Within the typical adult range

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 3 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

Why is backward span lower?

Because reversing the sequence requires manipulation as well as storage, consuming the same limited executive resource.

Can working memory be trained?

Training improves performance on the trained task, but transfer to general cognitive ability has repeatedly failed to replicate.

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