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Trail Making Test (TMT)

Benchmark your scanning rate and task-switching flexibility. Connect the numbered nodes in Part A, and alternate between numbers and letters in Part B.

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Trail Making Test (TMT)

Measure visual scanning, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility. Click the targets sequentially as fast as possible. Mismatched target clicks add a 2.0 second penalty.

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PB Part A: --PB Part B: --
Self-Tracking Notice: This assessment is for self-tracking, educational, and cognitive training purposes only. It is not a clinical, medical, diagnostic, or neuropsychological evaluation, and may be affected by display latency, input delays, or device configuration.

How This Test Works

1

What It Measures

Tests visual search speed, scanning, and cognitive flexibility. Part A connects numbered circles sequentially. Part B alternates between numbers and letters (1-A-2-B-...), requiring task-switching between two cognitive sets.

2

How Scoring Works

Score is the time to complete each part. Part B typically takes 1.5-2x longer due to cognitive switching cost. Your TMT ratio (B/A) indicates cognitive flexibility — lower ratios are better.

What Affects Your Results

Your visual scanning speed, ability to alternate between cognitive sets, working memory, and focus under time pressure all affect your trail-making performance.

Want to understand the science? Read our full guide on Cognitive Set Shifting Science .

Understanding the Trail Making Test

The Trail Making Test (TMT) is a widely recognized cognitive assessment developed in 1944. Part A evaluates visual scanning speed, motor execution, and sequence recognition. Part B introduces cognitive load by forcing users to switch attention between two different sequences: numeric (1, 2, 3...) and alphabetic (A, B, C...).

How Cognitive Flexibility Matures

The ratio or delay difference between Part A and Part B scores is a strong indicator of cognitive flexibility. A larger discrepancy represents greater task-switching overhead, which is managed by the frontoparietal networks and prefrontal cortex. Working to minimize your TMT-B delay improves spatial search efficiency under stress.

What Affects Your Trail Making Score

  • Visual scanning speed — how quickly your eyes can locate the next target in the field
  • Cognitive flexibility — the efficiency of switching between different rule sets (numbers vs. letters)
  • Motor execution — click precision and movement speed between targets
  • Display latency — slower monitors add minor overhead to target recognition

Explore All Assessments

Explore all 31 cognitive assessments across six domains. Each test runs locally in your browser with sub-millisecond precision.

Reaction & Reflexes

Raw speed & sensory pathways

Memory

Active working capacity & retention

Reasoning

Fluid logic & non-verbal matrices

Focus & Attention

Selective attention & executive suppression

Motor Performance

Spatial mouse control & clicking stamina

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Trail Making Test (TMT)?

The Trail Making Test measures cognitive flexibility and processing speed by requiring you to connect targets in sequence (Part A: 1-2-3; Part B: 1-A-2-B).

What is the difference between TMT Part A and Part B?

Part A measures visual search and scanning, while Part B introduces rule-switching (alternating numbers and letters), requiring higher cognitive load.

What is the average score for TMT Part B?

For healthy adults, completing TMT Part B in under 60 seconds is typical. Scores above 90 seconds can indicate slower switching speeds.

Is this test diagnostic for cognitive impairment?

Clinical TMT tests screen for executive dysfunction. However, this online version is for self-tracking and is not a diagnostic tool.

How can I improve my Trail Making score?

Scan ahead visually to locate the next target in the sequence while clicking the current one to reduce target search time.

Does mouse latency affect TMT scores?

Minor input delay can impact scores, but visual scanning speed and cognitive rule-switching are the primary factors.

Why do errors carry a time penalty in Trail Making?

Time penalties enforce accuracy, preventing users from guessing paths and emphasizing visual accuracy.

Does age impact Trail Making performance?

Yes, task-switching speeds decrease gradually with age as executive processing time increases.