Working memory vs. short-term memory: What’s the difference?

You use your memory every day for tasks like recalling conversations, calculating a shopping bill, or navigating a familiar route without GPS. But memory isn’t a single system—there are multiple components working in different ways. 

Two that play a major role in daily thinking are your working memory and short-term memory. 

Understanding how they function can help you strengthen focus, improve recall, and boost your ability to learn, solve problems, and stay organized. So, what’s the difference between your working memory vs. short-term memory? 

In this blog article, we’ll break down how each works in real life, with examples and tips to help you improve both.

What is short-term memory? Definition and examples

Short-term memory stores small amounts of information for about 20–30 seconds, helping you keep details in mind for immediate use before they’re forgotten or moved to long-term storage.

It’s the part of your memory system that holds onto what you need for quick, in-the-moment tasks, like recalling a phone number long enough to dial it, remembering a new name, or tracking the start of a sentence until you reach the end. The term “short-term memory” is sometimes used interchangeably with primary memory, immediate memory, operant memory, and provisional memory.

Short-term memory has a limited capacity, usually around seven chunks of information at a time, though the exact number can vary. For example, numbers are often harder to retain than words, and similar-sounding words can be more difficult to recall because they interfere with each other’s memory traces—the brief mental imprints left as information is processed.

You can think of your short-term memory as a desk with about 7 drawers. Each drawer can hold one piece of information for roughly 30 seconds before it’s replaced or transferred to long-term memory.

Short-term memory examples

Short-term memory holds information for immediate use, allowing you to complete quick cognitive tasks without losing track of the details. It works alongside your executive functions to keep you focused and efficient. 

Here are a few examples:

• Remembering a room number while walking from the hotel desk to your door.
• Remembering a one-time password long enough to type it into an app.
• Repeating a short phrase until you can write it down.
• Recalling a new acquaintance’s name moments after an introduction.
• Mentally storing and checking off a short grocery list while moving through the store.
• Retaining an address just long enough to plug it into your phone.

By managing small pieces of information in the moment, short-term memory frees up mental space for more complex thinking and long-term learning.

What is working memory? Definition and examples

Working memory stores information for short periods so you can apply it to tasks like solving problems, following instructions, or making quick decisions.

In the working memory vs. short-term memory comparison, the distinction is that working memory actively manages and manipulates information in the moment. This ability to mentally juggle details is a core executive function, critical for focus, learning, and decision-making.

Research suggests that strong working memory is linked to better academic and professional performance, while working memory deficits can contribute to difficulties with concentration, planning, and task completion. These challenges are often seen in conditions such as ADHD and can also emerge in aging populations. For example, declines in working memory are often one of the first signs of memory loss in older adults, and can be an early indicator of cognitive decline in conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

Working memory examples

Examples of working memory include tasks where you must hold and process information at the same time, such as mental math, following multi-step instructions, or adapting to detours while navigating.

These situations show how working memory supports quick thinking and adaptability in everyday life.

Examples include:

• Adding or subtracting numbers in your head.
• Following a set of instructions, like “First do X, then Y—unless Z happens, in which case do A.”
• Reordering a list alphabetically without writing it down.
• Paraphrasing a sentence you just heard into your own words.
• Navigating a route of directions while also adapting to detours.
• Keeping track of moves during board games like chess requires thinking several steps ahead.

Your working memory system is especially important in early learning. A child’s working memory helps them make sense of new information, follow instructions, and stay focused, even in noisy or distracting environments. These essential skills lay the foundation for better problem-solving, organization, and mental flexibility later in life.

What is the difference between short-term memory vs. working memory?

The difference between short-term vs. working memory is that short-term memory stores information briefly, while working memory both stores and actively processes it for immediate use.

Think of it this way: it's your short-term memory that allows you to recall a set of numbers, but it's your working memory that allows you to add, subtract, or rearrange them. That’s why working memory is often referred to as the "workbench" of the brain. 

Both systems have limited capacity, and performance can be influenced by the type of information and similarities between items. Despite these limits, working memory plays a central role in cognitive function—supporting problem-solving, decision-making, and multitasking by holding, manipulating, and applying information in real time.

What are the 4 types of memory?

The four main types of memory are long-term memory, sensory memory, short-term memory and working memory. Each handles information differently, from initial intake to storage and retrieval.

We’ve already covered working memory vs. short-term memory in depth, but long-term memory stores knowledge and experiences for extended periods, and sensory memory briefly records raw input from the environment before it’s processed.

Together, these four systems shape how you perceive, learn, and respond to the world. Here’s a quick overview of how they compare:

Understanding how these four systems work together gives us a fuller picture of how memory functions overall. The relationship between working memory and long-term memory is especially important for learning and recall.

The relationship between working memory and long-term memory

Long-term memory stores information for minutes, hours, or years, with no set limit on capacity. It works closely with working memory, which holds new information long enough to transfer it into long-term storage and temporarily holds retrieved memories for use in the moment. Recalling a childhood story or past experience is a common example of this dynamic.

Working memory vs. short-term memory in daily life

The balance between working memory and short-term memory can influence how smoothly your day runs. When either struggles, you might notice more mistakes, slower reactions, or difficulty keeping track of what comes next.

Strong short-term memory helps you grab the right detail at the right moment. Strong working memory lets you adapt that detail to fit new information, unexpected changes, or evolving goals. Together, they shape how efficiently you respond to challenges, whether that’s navigating a busy schedule, managing competing priorities, or learning a new language.

How can you improve working memory and short-term memory?

Staying motivated and consistent with brain training and cognitive enhancement strategies can greatly contribute to their effectiveness. Here are some tips to help you maintain your motivation and consistency:

• Set clear and realistic goals that are specific and measurable: Break down your goals into smaller milestones to track your progress and celebrate achievements along the way.
• Establish a routine: Dedicating time for brain training each day can help you make it a regular part of your schedule. 
• Make the process enjoyable by incorporating variety: Explore different exercises, apps, or activities that challenge and engage your brain in different ways. Find what works best for you and make it a fun experience. 
• Seek support from others: Join a study group or find a training partner to provide accountability and encouragement. 
• Reward yourself for your efforts: Treat yourself to something you enjoy after completing a training session or reaching a significant milestone. 

By following these tips, you can stay motivated and consistent with your brain training routine and make the most out of your quest to improve your working and short-term memory.