Free Online Sequence Memory Test
Measure your visual-spatial working memory with this online tool based on the classic Corsi Block-Tapping Test. Watch the sequence, remember the pattern, and push your memory to its limits.
Sequence Memory Test
Remember and repeat the pattern of squares
Select Mode
How It Works
Watch
Squares light up one at a time in a specific order. Focus your attention on each position.
Remember
Memorize the complete sequence of lit squares. Try chunking them into smaller groups.
Repeat
Click the squares in the exact same order to reproduce the sequence you just saw.
Advance
Each level adds one more square to the sequence, progressively pushing your limits.
Test Features
Progressive Difficulty
Starting from 1 square, each level adds one more, continuously challenging your memory limits
Scientific Assessment
Based on the Corsi Block-Tapping Test paradigm, widely used in cognitive science research worldwide
Cross-Device Compatible
Works seamlessly on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices — test anytime, anywhere
Privacy First
No registration required. All data stays in your browser's local storage
Progress Tracking
Complete history with visual trends showing your memory improvement over time
Instant Feedback
Immediate right/wrong feedback on every input, showing your true performance level
About Sequence Memory
What is Sequence Memory?
Sequence memory is a critical component of working memory — the brain's ability to temporarily store and process ordered information. Unlike simply remembering a set of items, sequence memory requires you to remember both "what" and "in what order," making it a more complex cognitive ability.
This test draws inspiration from the Corsi Block-Tapping Test, first developed by Italian neuropsychologist Philip Corsi in 1972. It remains one of the most widely used visuospatial memory assessments in neuropsychology, described as "the single most important nonverbal task in neuropsychological research."
In everyday life, sequence memory is everywhere: remembering phone numbers in the right order, following multi-step navigation directions, learning dance choreography, playing musical notes from a score — all rely on your ability to process and recall ordered sequences.
Scientific Principles
Miller's Law (7±2)
In 1956, cognitive psychologist George Miller discovered that human short-term memory capacity averages about 7 items (±2). Known as "The Magical Number Seven," this remains one of the most influential findings in memory research. The key insight is that capacity is measured in "chunks," not individual bits of information.
Baddeley's Working Memory Model
Alan Baddeley's 1974 model identifies four core components: the central executive, phonological loop, visuospatial sketchpad, and episodic buffer. Sequence memory tests primarily engage the visuospatial sketchpad (processing spatial positions) and the central executive (coordinating attentional resources).
Chunking Strategy
Grouping information into meaningful "chunks" can significantly expand memory capacity. For example, remembering a phone number as 3-4-4 groups is far more efficient than digit by digit. Through chunking, memory experts have been shown to recall sequences of 80+ digits.
Individual Differences
Sequence memory ability is influenced by age, education level, attention control, and cognitive training. Children's memory span increases linearly from age 7, stabilizes around age 14, and begins to decline noticeably after age 55.
Brain Regions Involved
Brain imaging research reveals that sequence memory tasks activate a coordinated network of key brain areas:
Prefrontal Cortex
The core region for working memory, responsible for actively maintaining and manipulating spatial information. Shows sustained delay activity during sequence tasks, encoding prospective action information.
Posterior Parietal Cortex
Processes retrospective sensory information, converting visual input into spatial representations. Works in concert with the prefrontal cortex via the parieto-prefrontal pathway to support spatial working memory.
Premotor Cortex
Involved in visually guided motor planning, playing a key role in translating remembered spatial information into clicking actions.
Applications
Cognitive Psychology Research
Investigating attention mechanisms, working memory capacity limits, and information processing models — a foundational measurement tool in cognitive science.
Clinical Neurological Assessment
Used in screening for ADHD, Alzheimer's disease, and other cognitive disorders. Research shows ADHD patients have significantly lower visuospatial working memory than controls.
Educational Assessment
Working memory is a key predictor of math fluency, reading comprehension, and problem-solving ability, helping educators develop individualized learning plans.
Professional Aptitude Testing
Cognitive screening for high-demand roles such as air traffic control, surgery, and financial trading where sustained working memory is critical.
Sequence Memory in Daily Life
Remembering the digit order of phone numbers, bank PINs, and verification codes
Following route directions: turn left at the second intersection, continue 500m, then turn right
Playing notes in the correct order from a musical score, or memorizing choreography sequences
Remembering code logic chains, procedural steps, and multi-step task sequences
Following recipe steps or assembly instructions in the correct order
Memorizing historical timelines, chemical reaction steps, and mathematical proofs
Tips for Improvement
Chunk It
Break long sequences into groups of 3-4, like memorizing a phone number in segments. This significantly reduces working memory load.
Verbalize
Mentally narrate square positions ("top-left, center, bottom-right"), engaging both visual and auditory memory channels for stronger encoding.
Trace a Path
Imagine connecting lit squares with a line, creating a movement trajectory in your mind. Visual paths are easier to recall than discrete points.
Practice Regularly
Just 10-15 minutes of daily targeted practice can yield noticeable improvement within weeks. Adequate sleep and moderate exercise also support working memory.
Performance Levels
Sequence memory benchmarks based on cognitive science research
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the Sequence Memory Test
Important Note
This sequence memory test is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Results may vary due to fatigue, environmental distractions, and device differences, and should not be used as a diagnostic tool for cognitive disorders. If you have concerns about your memory ability, please consult a qualified neuropsychologist for clinical assessment.
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