SoundaryWorking Memory Test — Free 2-Back Task Online
A 2-back task measuring how well you update information held in working memory. Takes about 2 minutes, and reports accuracy, reaction time and d-prime you can track over time.
What's included
- Time
- ~2 min
- Price
- Free
FAQ
What does the N-back test actually measure?
You watch items appear one at a time and decide whether each matches the one from N steps earlier. It taps working memory updating — holding information while continuously swapping in new items. The 2-back version compares against two items back.
What 2-back accuracy counts as a decent score?
First-time adults often land somewhere around 70–85%, but pace, alertness and practice shift that a lot. Rather than a single number, look at false alarms and reaction time together, and compare your own repeated runs under similar conditions.
Does a low score mean my cognition is impaired?
No. This is a self-check, not a diagnostic tool, and poor sleep, fatigue or a noisy environment alone can drag scores down. If you keep losing track of what you just heard or making more mistakes at work, talk to a clinician.
Does practicing N-back improve memory or focus?
Practice reliably raises your score on the task itself, but whether that transfers to studying or work is still debated. Treat it as a gauge of your current condition rather than training, and repeat it about every two weeks at a similar time of day.
Source
This task is based on the paradigm from: Kirchner, W. K. (1958). Age differences in short-term retention of rapidly changing information. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 55(4), 352–358. This task is a Soundary implementation based on a published academic paradigm. It is not any commercial test product or its test form.
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This is a self-screening tool, not a medical diagnosis. If the result concerns you, please consult a mental health professional.