Holding a phone number in mind until you dial it, multiplying 27 by 8 in your head, or linking the beginning of a sentence to its end… The same system works behind all of these: working memory. It is one of the most important cognitive functions that determines your intelligence capacity, and the good news is that you can train it.
What is working memory?
Working memory is the brain's temporary workspace: it allows you to hold information briefly while processing it at the same time. Unlike long-term memory, it is not a permanent storage space; it functions more like a desktop. You can place a few items on it, but space is limited, and once you shift your attention, the contents fade easily.
Why only a "few" items?
According to classic research findings, the human mind can hold an average of around seven items of information at once (give or take a few, depending on the person and content). That is why remembering a long list at once is difficult. But there is a trick: chunking information into meaningful groups. For example, remembering "5 0 5 3 2 1 7 6 4" as nine separate digits is tough, but grouping it like "0532 - 176 - 4" makes it much easier to hold. This is called chunking.
Working memory and IQ
Working memory capacity is closely linked to reasoning and problem-solving performance. When solving a logic puzzle, you need to hold the given facts, intermediate steps, and goal in your mind simultaneously; the larger and more resilient this space is, the easier you manage complex problems. That is why tasks that challenge working memory are a key component of many IQ tests.
Practical ways to strengthen it
- Chunking habit: Break long information into meaningful parts. This is the most practical way to "expand" your capacity.
- Matching and recall games: Remembering card locations and matching them directly challenges working memory. Our Memory Cards game was designed specifically for this purpose.
- Mental math: Doing small calculations without writing them down improves your ability to hold and process information.
- Single-tasking: Working memory drains quickly when you get distracted. Protecting your focus means protecting your capacity.
Patience and repetition
Working memory does not expand overnight; however, the brain adapts to repeated challenges. We discuss the mechanism behind this adaptive ability in our neuroplasticity article. Short, regular practice sessions yield more lasting results than occasional long ones. If you want to challenge your mind today, you can start with our memory game and then test yourself with our free IQ test.