Brain Age Check

How does the check work?

Tap Brain Age Check on the home screen. After GET READY and a countdown, the questions come one after another, with a timer at the top. The number of questions is kept hidden so it feels like a test. On a phone, a tablet or in the Android app there are 21:

• 10 sums you type on the keypad
• 7 sums you write by hand, on squared paper
• 1 decimal sum, such as 2.4 + 1.7
• 1 connect the numbers: tap 5 numbers from lowest to highest, or highest to lowest
• 1 number grid: pick every number divisible by a given number, then tap DONE
• 1 shape: choose which shape it is

On a computer with the wide layout, the check has 14 questions with no handwriting, unless you switch on Handwriting in Brain Age on the Computer card in Settings.

How is my result worked out?

Your time in seconds, plus 5 seconds for every wrong answer or wrong pick, places you on a tier, each with a brain age number: Rocket (15), Jet (20), Train (28), Car (38), Bicycle (50), Fish (65) and Turtle (80). The 14 question check has quicker time limits for each tier, so both are fair.

The number is a playful way to show your tier. It says how quickly you solved this check today, not how old you are.

What does the result screen show?

After CALCULATING YOUR BRAIN AGE (tap to skip the build-up), you see your tier, your brain age, your time with penalties and your wrong answers, Doc's advice, YOUR TREND with your recent results, and WHERE TO FOCUS: the kind of question that cost you most. If that was adding, taking away, times or division, a button takes you straight to practise it, or to a Method Lab lesson for it. DONE goes home, and you can share your result.

How often can I take it?

As often as you like. Each check counts as a workout toward your free workouts. Taking it at about the same time of day makes your trend easier to compare.

What happens when I get one wrong?

Typed sums shake and clear, and you keep trying until you get it, with 5 seconds added for each wrong try. Handwritten sums allow 3 tries, then show the answer and move on. A wrong number in connect the numbers or a wrong pick in the grid or the shape question also adds 5 seconds.

Can I do it with a keyboard?

Yes, on a computer. Type the sums, type each number in connect the numbers, type a number to pick it in the grid and press Enter when done, and press 1 to 4 for the shape. Handwritten questions need a mouse, a pen or touch. See Keyboard controls.

Where is my last result?

On the Brain Age Check card on the home screen, for example "Last brain age: 28. Can you beat it?". Signed in, your results follow you to your other devices.

Any tips?

• Accuracy matters most: every wrong answer costs 5 seconds.
• Write your answers large and clear, with a small gap between digits. See Handwriting is not recognised.
• Practise the kind of question shown under WHERE TO FOCUS, then try again.