One of the world's most effective exercises for attention, peripheral vision, concentration, and mental processing speed — used by students, athletes, speed readers, and cognitive trainers worldwide.
A Schulte Table is a square grid containing numbers in random order. The most common version is a 5×5 grid with numbers 1 through 25.
The goal: find every number in ascending order as fast as possible. Simple in concept — demanding in execution. It requires sustained attention, rapid visual scanning, and efficient eye coordination.
Originally developed by German psychiatrist Walter Schulte to study attention-related processes, it evolved into one of the most widely used tools in cognitive training, education, and speed-reading programs.
When scanning a scattered number grid, your brain activates several cognitive systems simultaneously:
A few focused minutes each day can produce measurable improvements across multiple cognitive and visual dimensions.
Schulte Tables require uninterrupted focus on a single task — a direct antidote to distraction-heavy modern life.
Every session trains your brain to identify targets faster while filtering out irrelevant information.
Advanced users keep their gaze at the center while identifying surrounding numbers using peripheral awareness.
Wider visual span lets readers process more text per fixation, reducing unnecessary eye movements.
Regular practice accelerates identification, location, and response to visual information.
Sessions last just minutes — easy to fit into any routine for long-term cognitive maintenance.
From students to seniors — Schulte Tables adapt to every level and goal.
Getting started takes 30 seconds. Improving takes consistent practice. Here's the exact process:
Consistency beats duration. Daily short sessions outperform occasional long ones every time.
Once you've mastered the classic grid, explore these variations to keep your brain challenged.
The standard format — numbers arranged randomly in a 5×5 grid.
Users alternate between two colors while locating numbers simultaneously.
Letters replace numbers, requiring sequential alphabetical scanning.
Find numbers from highest to lowest for a fresh cognitive challenge.
7×7 or 10×10 grids with more targets for advanced practitioners.
Schulte Tables became famous partly through their connection to speed-reading programs. Instructors use the exercise to help students develop a broader visual span and reduce excessive fixation on individual words.
The theory: a wider visual field lets your eyes capture more text per fixation, reducing the total number of eye movements required to read a page.
While Schulte Tables alone won't double your reading speed overnight, they are a recognised component of effective reading and attention training routines.
Everything you need to know about Schulte Tables and brain training.
A Schulte Table is a square grid containing randomly arranged numbers. The most common version is a 5×5 grid with numbers 1–25. The goal: find each number in order as fast as possible, training attention, peripheral vision, and processing speed.
Schulte Tables have been used for decades in attention and visual perception training — originally developed by German psychiatrist Walter Schulte. Results vary by individual but they remain a widely recognised cognitive exercise.
Many speed-reading programs include Schulte Tables to help students develop a broader visual span and reduce excessive fixation on individual words. They're a useful component of a broader reading and attention training routine.
Most users practice 3–10 minutes daily. Consistency matters far more than session length — a few focused minutes each day typically produces better results than occasional long sessions.
Yes. Schulte Tables are commonly used by children, students, adults, and seniors. Simplified smaller grids work well for younger users building concentration skills.
Schulte Tables are designed to train attention, concentration, and visual processing rather than directly increase IQ. They are a focused cognitive tool, not a general intelligence booster.
Also searched as "shulky table" or "shalty table"? See our spelling guide.
Join thousands of players improving focus, attention, and processing speed daily — completely free.
No signup required. Play instantly.