What Is a Good Memory Test Score?

On most standardised memory assessments, the average score is 100 (with a standard deviation of 15). A score above 115 is considered above average, while 85 and below is below average. But "good" depends on the type of memory being tested and what you are comparing against.

Memory Test Score Ranges

Types of Memory Tested

Different memory tests measure different types of memory. Understanding which type is being assessed helps you interpret your score:

• Short-term memory — how much information you can hold in mind right now (typically 5–9 items)
• Working memory — holding information while simultaneously processing it (e.g. mental arithmetic)
• Visual memory — remembering images, patterns, shapes, and spatial layouts
• Verbal memory — recalling words, numbers, and spoken information
• Long-term memory — retrieving information stored hours, days, or years ago
• Prospective memory — remembering to do things in the future

What Affects Your Memory Test Score?

Many factors can influence how well you perform on a memory test:

• Sleep quality — poor sleep significantly impairs memory consolidation and recall
• Stress and anxiety — high stress levels flood the brain with cortisol, which impairs memory formation
• Age — working memory and processing speed naturally decline with age, though knowledge-based memory holds steady
• Attention — distraction during encoding is the number one cause of forgetting
• Caffeine and hydration — moderate caffeine can improve alertness; dehydration impairs cognitive function
• Physical health — conditions like thyroid disorders, vitamin B12 deficiency, and depression can all affect memory
• Practice — regular memory training genuinely improves performance

How to Improve Your Memory

Memory is a skill that can be trained. Here are evidence-based strategies:

1. Chunking — group information into meaningful clusters (e.g. remember 1-9-6-6 as "1966")
2. Visualisation — create vivid mental images to anchor information
3. Method of loci — place items you want to remember along a mental journey through a familiar location
4. Spaced repetition — review information at increasing intervals (1 day, 3 days, 7 days, 14 days)
5. Active recall — test yourself rather than passively re-reading
6. Sleep — aim for 7–9 hours; memory consolidation happens during sleep
7. Exercise — regular aerobic exercise increases hippocampal volume and improves memory
8. Reduce multitasking — focus on one thing at a time for better encoding

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a memory score of 80 bad?

A score of 80 is slightly below average but within the normal range. It does not indicate a clinical problem. Many factors like sleep, stress, and distraction can temporarily lower scores. Regular practice and lifestyle improvements can help boost your score.

Does memory decline with age?

Some types of memory do decline gradually with age, particularly working memory and the speed of recall. However, semantic memory (general knowledge) and procedural memory (skills like riding a bike) tend to remain stable. Staying mentally and physically active helps maintain memory function.

When should I be concerned about my memory?

Occasional forgetfulness is normal at any age. Consult a healthcare professional if you notice a significant, persistent decline that affects daily life — such as regularly forgetting recent conversations, getting lost in familiar places, or difficulty following instructions you previously found easy.