What is Dual N-Back?
A brain training exercise where you track two things at once: visual positions and audio letters. When the current stimulus matches what appeared N steps back, you respond. It's simple to learn but challenging to master.
Observe
Watch squares light up on a grid while hearing letters spoken aloud. Your brain tracks both simultaneously.
Remember
Hold the last N positions and N letters in working memory. At N=2, remember the last 2 of each.
Respond
Press the position button if the square matches N-back. Press audio if the letter matches. Both can match!
Why Train With Us?
Most n-back apps are basic timers. We built the precision training system serious practitioners deserve, with scientific measurement and adaptive difficulty.
Fine-Grained Difficulty
Instead of jumping from N=2 to N=3, progress through levels like 2.45 or 2.78. Seven parameters adjust together - pace, timing, lures, and more - keeping you in the optimal challenge zone.
d'-Prime Measurement
Track true performance with the same sensitivity index used in cognitive research. See real improvement, not just accuracy percentages.
Working Memory Assessment
Monthly Counting Span Tests measure your working memory capacity independent of n-back skill. See if your training is transferring.
Break Through Plateaus
Traditional n-back apps force frustrating jumps from N=2 to N=3. Our system uses fine-grained levels like 2.45 or 3.78, where seven different parameters scale together based on your d'-prime performance.
- Pace adapts: Time between stimuli ranges from 3 seconds down to 1.5 seconds as you improve
- Lures increase: Tricky n±1 near-matches appear more frequently at higher difficulties
- Timing varies: Random jitter makes rhythm unpredictable, demanding true memory
Real Analytics, Not Just Percentages
Raw accuracy is misleading - 90% could mean excellent performance or lucky guessing. We use d'-prime, the signal detection measure from cognitive science, to show your true ability.
- Separates true hits from false alarms for accurate working memory measurement
- Compare performance across different time periods to see real progress
- Session replay lets you review exactly where errors occurred
d' Trend (30 Days)
Measure Working Memory Independently
Is your training transferring beyond n-back skill? Our monthly Counting Span Test provides an objective answer using the same methodology as cognitive research labs.
- Measures core working memory capacity independent of n-back practice
- Validated PCU scoring (0-75) used in peer-reviewed research
- Track your working memory capacity over months of training
Frequently Asked Questions
Dual N-Back is a working memory training exercise where you simultaneously track visual positions and audio letters, responding when either matches what appeared N steps back. Some studies, including Jaeggi et al. (2008), suggest it may improve fluid intelligence and working memory capacity, though research is ongoing. It's one of the few brain training exercises with peer-reviewed studies investigating cognitive transfer.
Yes! Free accounts include analytics, adaptive difficulty, and session replay with 10 sessions per day. Want full access? Pro includes unlimited sessions and WMC assessments, with a 7-day free trial. No credit card required to sign up for a free account.
Pro removes the daily session limit and includes monthly WMC assessments for $4.99/month or $39.99/year (save 33%). Ideal for intensive training or tracking your progress over time. Includes a 7-day free trial.
Two ways: First, track your d'-prime and N-level progress over time in the analytics dashboard. Rising d' indicates improved signal detection ability. Second, take the monthly Counting Span Test - this measures working memory capacity using a different task, so improvements there may indicate transfer beyond just n-back skill.
Research suggests 20-25 minutes per day, 4-5 days per week for optimal results. That's typically 4-5 sessions. Consistency matters more than intensity - regular shorter sessions beat occasional marathon sessions. Our adaptive system ensures each session is optimally challenging regardless of duration.
Ready to Train Your Brain?
Train your working memory with scientific precision. Free to start, no credit card required.
Adaptive Difficulty
7 parameters scale together
d'-Prime Analytics
Scientific measurement
WMC Assessment
Track real growth