Chimp Test
Number memory like a chimp
What is the Chimp Test?
The Chimp Test is based on research with Ayumu, a chimpanzee at the Primate Research Institute in Kyoto who could memorize and reproduce the positions of numbers 1–9 faster than any human tested. You see numbers on screen briefly, then must click the squares in numerical order from memory after they are hidden.
How to Use
- 1Numbers appear in random positions on a grid
- 2Memorize where each number is
- 3When the numbers are replaced with white squares, click them in order from 1 upward
- 4Each correct round increases the number count
What is a Good Score?
Most humans correctly manage 4–6 numbers before errors appear. Reaching 8+ numbers consistently is remarkable. Ayumu reliably recalled all 9 numbers at 200ms display time.
Tips to Improve
- →Scan the grid in a Z-pattern to build a spatial map of number positions
- →Identify the positions of 1, 2, and 3 first since you must click those immediately
- →Practice with longer display times and gradually reduce them as you improve
Frequently Asked Questions
Can humans beat chimpanzees at this test?
Generally no. Chimpanzees have eidetic-like spatial memory for brief stimuli that outperforms humans in this specific task. Humans compensate with language and symbolic reasoning that chimpanzees lack.
What does the chimp test measure?
It measures photographic (eidetic) spatial memory — how accurately you encode and retrieve positional information from a very brief visual display.