Stroop Test

Pick the ink color, ignore the word. Tests cognitive control under interference.

Difficulty:MediumAvg:32 netPlays:95K

Press SPACE or click

How it works

Color words appear in mismatched ink. Tap the ink color, not the word. You have 45 seconds. Each correct answer adds a point; each wrong answer subtracts one. Random guessing scores zero on average.

Controls

Click or keys 1-4

Mouse and touch input also work.

Metric

correct − errors

Average

32 net

Difficulty

Medium

Plays

95K

What Is a Good Stroop Test Score?

The current BrainRivals average for this test is 32 net. Use that as a baseline, then compare against your saved personal best and the public leaderboard for this specific test.

LeaderboardDaily routineRelated tools

What It Tests

Selective attention and inhibitory control — your brain's ability to suppress an automatic response (reading the word) in favor of a task-relevant one (naming the ink color).

How It Works

Color words appear in mismatched ink. Tap the ink color, not the word. You have 45 seconds. Each correct answer adds a point; each wrong answer subtracts one. Random guessing scores zero on average.

Why It Matters

The Stroop effect is one of the most-cited findings in cognitive psychology. Strong inhibitory control predicts focus under distraction, decision-making under pressure, and resistance to mental fatigue.

Tips to Improve

  • 01Slow down on the first few rounds to lock in the right reading mode
  • 02Look slightly past the word to reduce its automatic pull
  • 03Use the keyboard (1-4) on desktop — it's faster than the mouse
  • 04Wrong answers cancel correct ones, so accuracy matters as much as speed

Tools

Stroop Score Explainer

Interpret your net Stroop score and accuracy tradeoff.

Focus Timer

Run a short focus block before testing reaction or memory.

Next Tests

Reaction Time

Measure how fast you react to visual stimuli. Click when the screen changes color.

Stroop Test | Free Online Cognitive Test by BrainRivals