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Digit Span: Test Your Working Memory

By Dr. Douglas Cowan, Psy.D., MFT

The Digit Span test has been a core component of cognitive assessment batteries since the early twentieth century. It measures working memory — the brain's ability to hold information in mind and work with it. Working memory is one of the executive functions most affected by ADHD.

This brief test gives you a sense of your digit span forward and backward. It is not a clinical assessment, but it demonstrates the type of task used in full cognitive evaluations.

Try the Digit Span

Watch the sequence. Then type it back in the box. Start with Forward (repeat in order).

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