What is mental rotation?

Mental rotation is the cognitive ability to rotate mental representations of two- or three-dimensional objects. It is a core component of spatial intelligence and is strongly linked to performance in STEM fields.

Can you improve mental rotation ability?

Yes. Research shows mental rotation ability is trainable through practice. Studies using video games and spatial training tasks have demonstrated significant improvements, particularly in people who start with lower baseline ability.

What is the difference between rotation and reflection in Mental Rotation?

A rotated shape can be mentally turned to match the original. A reflected (mirrored) shape cannot — it requires flipping, which changes its fundamental handedness. MindPlay's Mental Rotation game includes mirror distractors.

Is Mental Rotation free?

Yes, completely free with no account required.

Mental Rotation · MindPlay

Reference

How to play

1. Study the reference shape shown at the top.

2. Choose which of the 4 options is the same shape, just rotated.

3. Answer before the timer runs out!

easy

15s · 10 Qs

medium

10s · 10 Qs

hard

7s · 12 Qs

All-time stats

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