Chunking

Why it works

Working memory is limited in number of units, not in the size of each unit. Grouping with meaning works around the limit.

How to practise

1. 1Write down the sequence you need to hold.
2. 2Break it into chunks of 3 or 4 elements.
3. 3Give each chunk meaning: a date, a year, a number you know.
4. 4Recite the chunks with a pause between them, always in the same cadence.

5 min of practice

Creating arbitrary chunks with no meaning — the gain comes from meaning, not from splitting.

Classic capacity studies point to a limit of about four units; experts beat it by recognising patterns, not by raising the limit.

Use it for phone numbers, cards, codes, numeric passwords and shopping lists.