Trail Making Test

About Trail Making Test

Used by neuropsychologists since 1944. Connect numbers and letters in alternating order: 1, A, 2, B, 3, C, 4, D, 5, E. Sounds simple. The cognitive load of switching between number and letter sequences is what makes it hard.

How to Play

1. 10 dots scatter across the play area: 5 numbers (1-5) and 5 letters (A-E)
2. Tap them in this exact order: 1, A, 2, B, 3, C, 4, D, 5, E
3. Wrong tap adds 3 seconds to your time
4. Goal: complete all 10 in the lowest time
5. Score = 600 minus 10 per second

Tips & Strategy

• Pre-scan the board: locate 1 and 2 BEFORE you start tapping
• Hold both lists in mind: numbers AND letters, alternating
• If you get confused, pause for 0.5s and find your place — better than tapping wrong
• Most adults complete this in 30-60s. Sub-30 is excellent.

Brain Benefits

The Trail Making Test (Part B specifically — the alternating version) is one of the most-validated measures of executive function. It's used to assess attention switching, processing speed, and to detect early signs of cognitive decline. Practicing improves all three.