N-Back Test Leaderboard
Match the current letter to the one N positions back. Gold standard for working memory training.
All-Time Rankings
Higher is better
| Rank | Player | Location | Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| #1 |
W
wm_legend
GOLD
|
🇰🇷 Seoul | 97% |
| #2 |
N
nback_god
SILVER
|
🇺🇸 MIT | 96% |
| #3 |
D
dual_n_pro
BRONZE
|
🇩🇪 Heidelberg | 95% |
| #4 |
P
phonoloop_x
|
🇯🇵 Tokyo | 94% |
| #5 |
W
wm_ace
|
🇬🇧 Cambridge | 93% |
| #6 |
C
central_exec
|
🇨🇳 Beijing | 92% |
| #7 |
J
jaeggi_fan
|
🇨🇭 Zurich | 91% |
| #8 |
R
recall_n
|
🇸🇬 Singapore | 90% |
| #9 |
B
back2back
|
🇦🇺 Melbourne | 89% |
| #10 |
N
nback_king
|
🇫🇷 Grenoble | 88% |
Showing 1–10
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Sign in with GoogleN-Back Test - Score Guide & Analysis
What is a good N-Back Test score?
| Level | Score Range |
|---|---|
| Exceptional | ≥ 95% |
| Excellent | 88–94% |
| Above Avg | 78–87% |
| Average | 60–77% |
| Below Avg | 45–59% |
| Low | < 45% |
N-back training is the central paradigm in the working memory training literature. A 2008 meta-analysis by Jaeggi et al. reported that dual N-back training transferred to gains in fluid intelligence (Gf). The debate over transfer magnitude continues, but near-transfer to WM is well-established.
What does the N-Back Test test measure?
The N-Back task shows a sequence of letters. You must indicate when the current letter matches the one shown N steps earlier. 2-back (the standard) is considered a valid measure of working memory updating and manipulation - the "executive" component of working memory. It is the most-studied working memory training paradigm.
How to improve your N-Back Test score
- → Verbal rehearsal helps: whisper (or subvocalize) each letter as it appears to maintain the sequence.
- → Don't focus too hard on past items - let the N-back loop run semi-automatically.
- → Daily training for 4+ weeks on N-back shows genuine improvements in fluid intelligence in peer-reviewed studies.
- → Start at 1-back if 2-back feels impossible - build up gradually.