Common Questions
Cognitive Tests FAQ
Answers to common questions about reaction time, working memory, typing speed, and cognitive benchmarking — explained clearly, with science. Each answer links to a test you can take right now.
What is the average human reaction time?
Average human reaction time is ~273ms for a simple visual stimulus — slightly faster for audio (170ms) and touch (150ms).
What is a good reaction time?
Under 250ms is above average. Under 200ms puts you in the top 10%. Elite athletes and gamers often achieve 150–180ms.
How can I improve my reaction time?
Consistent practice, quality sleep, caffeine (modestly), and warm-up routines each have documented effects. Training can shave 10–20ms off your average.
Does reaction time get worse with age?
Yes — simple RT peaks in your early 20s and slows ~3–4ms per decade. By age 60 the average is ~300ms vs ~250ms at 20.
What does a reaction time test measure?
It measures the complete chain from stimulus perception to motor response — capturing sensory processing speed, neural transmission, and decision-making.
How many digits can the average person remember?
The average adult can hold 7 digits (±2) in working memory — George Miller's famous "Magic Number 7" from 1956. Most people score between 5 and 9.
How can I improve my working memory?
Chunking, spaced rehearsal, N-back training, aerobic exercise, and quality sleep are the most evidence-backed methods. Gains of 2–3 digits are achievable.
What is a good typing speed in WPM?
40 WPM is average. 60+ WPM is professionally competent. 80+ WPM is fast. Top typists exceed 120 WPM; the world record is over 200 WPM.
What is the average typing speed?
The global average is 40–44 WPM for casual typists. Professional office workers average 55–65 WPM. Touch typists who trained formally average 75+ WPM.
What is the Chimp Test?
The Chimp Test is based on research by Tetsuro Matsuzawa showing that chimpanzees outperform humans at briefly-displayed number sequences. It tests visuospatial working memory.
What is the MoCA test?
The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is a 30-point clinical screening tool for mild cognitive impairment. It takes ~10 minutes and covers memory, attention, language, and executive function.
How accurate are online cognitive tests?
Online tests are reliable for measuring relative performance and tracking trends over time, but lack clinical controls (lighting, interruptions, hardware latency). They are not diagnostic tools.
What This FAQ Covers
This FAQ answers the most common questions people have about cognitive testing — how fast humans react, how many digits we can remember, what makes a good typing speed, and more.
Every answer links to the relevant test on this site so you can immediately put the science into practice. The Science page goes deeper with citations and full methodology.
All 12 tests are free. No sign-up required. Most take under 5 minutes.
Quick Reference: Key Numbers
| Metric | Average | Top 10% |
|---|---|---|
| Reaction Time | ~273ms | <200ms |
| Number Memory | 7 digits | 9+ digits |
| Typing Speed | 41 WPM | 80+ WPM |
| Verbal Memory | ~35 words | 70+ words |
| Aim Trainer | ~380ms | <250ms |
| Sequence Memory | ~8 levels | 12+ levels |
Stop wondering — start measuring
Take any of the 12 free cognitive tests right now. No account required. Results in under 5 minutes.