Attention & focus test online
A check of selective and sustained attention based on the cancellation test: find target symbols among similar ones against the clock. The test shows how many targets you found and missed — right in the browser, free and with no sign-up.
Find and mark every digit 6 on the field — there are exactly 25 of them among similar 9, 8, 0 and 5. Scan the field row by row, like text. You have 60 seconds; false marks lower the result and marks can’t be undone.
Attention accuracy norms
Adult reference points: how many of 25 targets found in 60 seconds (misses and false marks lower the result). This is a practice scale inspired by the cancellation test, not a clinical instrument.
- 23–25Excellent — attention is precise and stable
- 20–22Good result — above typical
- 16–19Typical range for adults
- 12–15Below typical — possibly fatigue or lost focus
- under 12Notably below the reference — mind your sleep, stress and deficiencies
What this test checks
The test follows the cancellation test principle — a classic method psychologists have used for over a century: quickly find and mark target symbols in a field of similar ones. Two abilities work at once: selectivity (picking the target out of “noise”) and stability (keeping pace and accuracy to the end).
These are exactly the qualities that fail first under fatigue and overload — and exactly the ones you need for paperwork, driving and study.
How to take the test
For an honest result:
- scan the field systematically — row by row like text, not chaotically;
- balance speed and accuracy: misses and false marks hurt the score more than a slower pace;
- don’t get distracted: one glance at notifications resets sustained attention;
- for progress tracking, repeat at the same time of day.
What affects attention
Attention is the cognitive resource most sensitive to your state. It is lowered by sleep loss, stress, anxiety, monotonous work and non-stop screens. After rest, accuracy returns.
Weeks of persistent distractibility deserve a deeper look: iron (ferritin) and B12 deficiency, an underactive thyroid, anxiety and adult ADHD all give a similar picture. Labs cover the physical part of that list, the ADHD screener covers the behavioural part.
Check what “steals” your attention
Low ferritin, B12 deficiency, an underactive thyroid and poor sleep impair focus as much as ADHD. Upload your labs — AI explains every value and tells you what to check.
The attention test on this page is a trainer and a reference point, not medical diagnostics. A clinical assessment of attention is done by a professional. If distractibility interferes with your life, discuss it with a doctor.