Online attention game

Count the shapes: count in a couple of seconds before the picture disappears

Also known as: shape counting game, count the shapes, count at a glance, how many shapes were there

Circles, squares, triangles, stars and diamonds appear on the field for two or three seconds. Then the field closes, and you answer how many shapes of one kind there were. At first you’re told which kind in advance; at the higher levels, only after the field is gone. A round lasts a minute and a half.

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1.5 minutesa 90-second round
2–3 secondsto count
No sign-up10 minutes a day
Progress30-day chart

What it trains

What counting shapes trains

While the kind of shape is named in advance, the exercise teaches you to pick out what you need and ignore the rest. When the question comes after the field is gone, you have to count every kind of shape in a couple of seconds and keep the numbers in mind.

At the top levels color stops being a clue: circles and stars come in different colors, so you count by form. Your results show how many answers were right, how many mistakes you made and which level you reached.

You lose count when someone interrupts youYou need to keep the number in your head
You do quick counts of stock or peopleGetting it right the first time matters
Color throws you offYou want to count by form
You want a 90-second warm-upShort rounds, a simple rule

Selective attention

Count only the named kind of shape.

Short-term memory

At the higher levels the question comes after the field is gone.

Perception speed

You get 2–3 seconds to count.

Switching

At the top levels color and form don’t match.

Rules

How to play

Start
Press “Start”. At the first levels the top of the screen tells you what to count, for example “Count the stars”.
Watch the field
The shapes are visible for 2–3 seconds, then the field closes.
Answer
Tap a number from 1 to 9 on the screen or press it on the keyboard.
Difficulty grows
Two right answers in a row take you a level up: more shapes, and from level four the question comes only after the field is gone. A mistake takes you a level down.
Results
After 90 seconds we show your points, right answers, mistakes and highest level.

Play online

Count the shapes online

Count the shapes while they’re on screen and pick the number. Play 10 minutes a day without signing up.

Count the Shapes

The shapes are visible for a couple of seconds. Say how many of the named kind there were. On higher levels the kind is named only after the shapes disappear.

Free play left today without signing up: 10 min

Method

What the exercise is based on

People take in a small number of objects at a single glance, and beyond that they start counting. The exercise works right at that boundary: there are enough shapes that you have to count them quickly, with time for exactly one pass.

When the question comes after the field is gone, a memory task is added: holding several numbers at once. A similar format with colored dots is the “More Dots” game.

90 sper round45 seconds in Mix

8levelsfrom level 4 the question comes afterward

1–9shapes of the target kindup to 36 on the field in total

Who it’s for

Which ages

Adults

A short 90-second workout for attention and memory.

Kids

Not part of the “Kids” collection. In a kids profile the question always comes in advance, and the shapes stay on screen longer. Suitable from age 6 if your child can count to 9.

60+

Not part of the “60+” collection. Worth a try: the first levels have few shapes, and you can see what to count.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

How are points counted?

A right answer is worth as many points as your current level, from 1 to 8. Mistakes don’t cost points, but the level drops by one.

How long is the field visible?

From 2.6 seconds at the first levels to 2 seconds at the last. Right before the shapes appear, the field is briefly covered: use that moment to read what to count.

Can I answer with the keyboard?

Yes, the number keys 1 to 9 work just like the buttons on the screen.

Do I need to sign up?

No, you can play 10 minutes a day right away. Free sign-up lets you keep playing, save your results, track your progress and unlock the daily workout.

Does it work on a phone?

Yes, the game runs in the browser on a phone, tablet or computer. There’s nothing to install.

Save your results and track your progress

Free sign-up: round history, a chart by skill and a daily workout of 5 exercises. No credit card needed.

All trainers

Count the shapes: count in a couple of seconds before the picture disappears