- Task
- Digits are shown, then typed from memory; each success makes the next list longer (pymetrics patent, official)
- Direction
- Forward recall only: type the digits in the order shown (patent and prep sites)
- Start and steps
- Starts at 4 digits, +1 after a correct answer and −1 after a wrong one (prep sites; the start is low confidence)
- End rule
- Three wrong answers end the game; whether they must be in a row is not public (prep sites)
- Flash speed
- Digits appear one at a time for about 0.75 to 1 second each (one prep site, unverified)
- Typical span
- 7 to 9 digits (one prep site)
- Game length
- Each pymetrics game takes about 1 to 3 minutes (pymetrics FAQ, official)
- Practice version
- Candidate Falcon’s choice: 0.9 seconds per digit, 3 wrong answers in total end the run, up to 20 lists, never shorter than 3 digits
What the pymetrics Digits game looks at
Digits is pymetrics’ version of the digit span, one of the oldest memory tests in psychology. pymetrics’ patent describes it: digits are shown, you type them back from memory, and every success makes the next list longer. Your span is the longest list you can repeat. Prep sites add that a wrong answer makes the next list shorter, that the game starts at 4 digits and that three wrong answers end it.
The game looks at short-term and working memory and at attention: holding a list in mind for a few seconds and giving it back in the right order. Unlike most pymetrics games, it has a clear right answer for every list. Even so, pymetrics does not publish a pass mark: its model compares how you play all the games with people who do well in the job.
Candidate Falcon’s practice flashes each digit for 0.9 seconds, inside the range prep sites report, and counts three wrong answers in total rather than in a row, because the real rule is not public. Your results show your span and every list, with the digits you got wrong highlighted.
How the Digits practice works
- Press Start. The first list of 4 digits begins after a short pause.
- Watch the digits flash in the middle of the screen, one at a time. The keypad stays locked while they show.
- When the last digit has gone, type the list in the same order with the number keys or the on-screen keypad. Backspace or the delete key fixes a slip.
- Press Enter or Submit once every box is filled. A correct answer adds a digit to the next list; a wrong one takes one away.
- The run ends after 3 wrong answers in total or after 20 lists. Your results show your span and each list you saw.
Digits tips
- Group the digits as they come, like a phone number: 7-2-9 4-1 is easier to hold than seven single digits.
- Say the digits silently in a steady rhythm while they flash.
- Keep your eyes on the centre of the screen: each digit is gone in under a second.
- Type straight away once the boxes appear, while the list is still fresh.
- If you lose one digit, still fill every box with your best guess: a near miss and a blank count the same.
Common Digits mistakes
- Trying to remember each digit separately instead of in small groups.
- Swapping two neighbouring digits when typing quickly.
- Losing the start of a long list while concentrating on the end.
- Looking down at the keyboard while the digits are still flashing.
- Writing the digits down: the real game is a memory test, and notes only hide what you need to practise.
A short Digits practice routine
- Do one run to find your current span.
- In the next run, use one grouping method on purpose, such as threes, and compare your span.
- Check the list-by-list review: note whether you lose digits at the start, the middle or the end.
- Practise a few runs on different days; span tends to be steadier when you are rested.
Digits FAQ
What is the pymetrics Digits game?
It is a forward digit span test. pymetrics’ patent describes digits shown and then typed from memory, with each success making the next list longer. It looks at short-term memory and attention.
How does the pymetrics Digits game end?
Prep sites report that three wrong answers end the game. Whether they must be in a row is not public. Candidate Falcon’s practice counts three wrong answers in total and also stops after 20 lists.
What is a good span in the pymetrics Digits game?
pymetrics does not publish one, and it compares your play with people in the job rather than using a pass mark. One prep site reports a typical span of 7 to 9 digits.
Do you type the digits backwards in pymetrics Digits?
No source reports a backward round. The patent and prep sites describe forward recall only: type the digits in the order they were shown.
Is this the real pymetrics game?
No. It is independent practice by Candidate Falcon, built from the task in pymetrics’ public patent and prep-site descriptions, with original screens. It is not affiliated with pymetrics or Harver.
Practise other pymetrics games
Independent practice by Candidate Falcon, based on pymetrics’ public patents and research and on prep-site descriptions. Not affiliated with pymetrics or Harver, and not their scoring. The game, its art and its wording are original, and practice results are not pymetrics scores. For all 12 games, timing, results and retakes, read the free pymetrics test guide.
