What it measures
60 seconds of non-stop addition, subtraction, and multiplication. Briefly holding numbers, applying operation rules, and producing results — the whole process engages the frontal lobe's executive functions. Mental arithmetic isn't just calculation practice; it's an indirect measure of information processing speed.
How many problems do most people solve?
At a relaxed pace, roughly 15–25. Fast solvers exceed 30.
| Correct | Approximate |
|---|---|
| ~9 | Slow pace |
| 10–17 | Around average |
| 18–27 | Above average |
| 28–39 | Quite fast |
| 40~ | Rare |
How to get faster
Multiplication table automation
The biggest reason multiplication is slow: the times table isn't automatic. Focus on the 7s and 9s and your overall speed jumps noticeably.
Complements of 10
Split 8+7 into 8+2+5 — make 10 first. This strategy greatly speeds up addition and subtraction. Repeat this game and it becomes second nature.
Accuracy vs. speed
Wrong answers don't stop the game, but they don't count toward your score. Getting it right the first time ultimately yields a higher score than rushing.
FAQ
Does the game continue after a wrong answer?
Yes. Wrong answers move to the next problem and the game runs until 60 seconds are up. But incorrect answers don't count toward your score — only accuracy is affected.
No division?
Division often produces non-integer answers, complicating input. To focus on mental math speed, we use only three operations.
Can I enter negative answers?
Yes. Subtraction can produce negative results, so the minus sign is allowed.