Number grid online

What is a Schulte table and how do you play it?

A Schulte table is a square grid filled with shuffled numbers. You find the numbers and tap them in order, from 1 to the last, as fast as you can. It is a classic exercise for attention and visual scanning. This page offers grids from 3 by 3 up to 7 by 7, with letters and with two alternating series.

How to play

1. Pick the grid size: 3×3, 4×4, 5×5, 6×6 or 7×7. A bigger grid means more numbers to find.
2. Look at the grid: all the numbers are there, out of order.
3. Tap 1. Then tap 2, then 3, and keep going in order until the last number.
4. The right number turns green and gets a check mark. The Next box shows which number you are looking for now.
5. Tapped a number out of order? Nothing is lost: the cell shakes, the game tells you which number is next and you keep going.
6. In Timed mode, the timer starts on the first right tap and stops when you mark the last number.
7. On a computer, move around the grid with the arrow keys and mark a cell with Enter or the space bar.
8. Done? Tap New grid: the numbers change places every time.

Variations

• Ascending: from 1 to the last number. This is the classic form of the exercise.
• Descending: from the highest number down to 1. Counting backwards takes more attention.
• Letters: from A onward, in alphabetical order. The letter grid goes up to 5×5.
• Two colors: the same grid holds two series of numbers. One sits in blue circles and the other in pink squares. Tap the circle 1, the square 1, the circle 2, the square 2 and so on.
• Relaxed mode: no clock. Good for learning, for young children and for anyone who likes to play without hurry.
• Timed mode: the game keeps your best time for each variation and each size.

Tips to play better

• Look at the center of the grid and try to see the cells around it without moving your eyes much. That is the original idea of the exercise.
• Do not slide your finger across the screen while searching. Find it with your eyes first, then tap.
• While you tap one number, start looking for the following one.
• Start with 3×3 and only go bigger when the grid feels easy.
• Want to compare times? Always compare the same variation and the same size.
• In Two colors, say the order quietly: one blue, one pink, two blue, two pink.

Who this game is for

The number grid works for children who already know their numbers, for adults and for seniors. The 3×3 grid has only nine cells and very large numbers. The 7×7 grid has 49 cells and takes a lot of focus.

It is a simple activity that exercises attention and searching with your eyes. It works as a warm-up at the start of class or as a quick pastime for the day.

The game is a pastime. It does not replace an assessment or care from a health professional.

Frequently asked questions