Schulte Tables
A proven tool for developing attention and speed reading
Everything about Schulte tables: history, benefits, techniques and age recommendations for effective training
History & Origin
Schulte tables were developed by German psychiatrist Walter Schulte in the mid-20th century as a tool for studying attention properties.
- Developed in the 1950s in Germany
- Originally used in psychiatry and psychology
- Now widely used in education
- Proven effectiveness in scientific studies
How They Work
A grid of randomly arranged numbers that must be found in order. Trains peripheral vision and attention switching speed.
Benefits
How Schulte tables improve cognitive abilities
Speed Reading
Expands the visual field, allowing you to capture more words per fixation. Increases reading speed by 2-3 times.
Concentration
Trains the ability to maintain focus on a task. Improves sustained attention and resistance to distractions.
Reaction Time
Reduces the time needed to find and process visual information. Improves information processing speed.
Peripheral Vision
Develops the ability to see and process information at the edges of the visual field without eye movement.
Mental Agility
Improves attention switching speed and mental flexibility. Trains the brain to process information faster.
Academic Performance
Improved attention and reading speed directly impact school performance across all subjects.
Schulte tables for reading
How an attention drill connects to reading speed, and how to use it properly
Slow reading is rarely about the eyes — it is about how many times the gaze stops on a line. A beginner makes 8-12 fixations per line and reads word by word. Schulte tables train exactly what reduces those stops: a wide visual field and the ability to hold attention in the centre while seeing the periphery.
With a table, the gaze stays in the centre and numbers are found with peripheral vision. The same skill transfers to text: instead of word by word, the eye takes in a group of words, fixations per line drop, and reading speed rises without losing comprehension.
To be honest: Schulte tables alone will not turn 100 words per minute into 500. They remove one bottleneck — a narrow visual field and scattered attention. Lasting results come from the combination: 3-5 minutes of Schulte as a warm-up, block-reading exercises, and regular speed measurement.
3-5 minutes as a warm-up
One or two tables before reading. Gaze in the centre, numbers found with peripheral vision, no reading aloud.
Increase difficulty gradually
Once 5×5 is stable (children from 40-50 s), move to 6×6 and 7×7. Jumping ahead only trains haste, not skill.
Move to text right away
After the table, read for 5-10 minutes and measure speed and comprehension weekly. Without transfer to text it stays a number game.
Training Progression
From beginner to advanced level step by step
Beginner
Start with a 3×3 grid (numbers 1-9). Focus on accuracy first. Target time: 15-20 seconds per table.
Elementary
Move to 4×4 grid (numbers 1-16). Practice daily for 5-10 minutes. Target time: 30-40 seconds.
Intermediate
Standard 5×5 grid (numbers 1-25). Focus on using peripheral vision. Target time: 40-60 seconds.
Advanced
Red-black tables, 6×6 grids, or letter variants. Target time under 30 seconds for 5×5.
Age Recommendations
Optimal approaches for each age group
Children (6-10 years)
Start with smaller grids and gradually increase. Make it a fun game with rewards for improvement.
- Start with 3×3 grids
- Sessions of 5-10 minutes
- Use colorful table variants
- Track progress with charts
Teenagers (11-16 years)
Standard 5×5 tables with progressive difficulty. Combine with speed reading training for best results.
- Standard 5×5 grids
- Sessions of 10-15 minutes
- Combine with speed reading
- Use timing for motivation
Adults (17+ years)
Full range of difficulty levels. Use for professional development, exam preparation, or cognitive maintenance.
- 5×5 and larger grids
- Sessions of 15-20 minutes
- Red-black table variants
- Integration with work tasks
FAQ
Common questions about Schulte tables
How often should I practice?
Daily practice of 5-15 minutes gives the best results. Consistency is key — short daily sessions are better than long irregular ones.
How quickly will I see results?
Most people notice improvement within 2-3 weeks of daily practice. Significant results in peripheral vision and reading speed appear after 1-2 months.
Are Schulte tables suitable for young children?
Yes, children from age 6 can start with simplified 3×3 grids. It's important to keep sessions short and game-like.
Can I practice on a phone or tablet?
Yes, digital versions work well. However, printed tables have the advantage of being the right size for peripheral vision training.
How to track my progress?
Record your completion time for each session. Create a chart to visualize improvement. Many apps have built-in progress tracking.
Do Schulte tables really improve reading speed?
Yes, scientific studies confirm that regular practice expands peripheral vision and reduces fixation time, directly improving reading speed.
What else is on BrainSkills
Schulte tables are one trainer out of 56. Here is where that skill pays off
Mental arithmetic online
Mental calculation through the abacus image: 10 trainers, from number composition to fractions and percentages. Attention trained on Schulte converts directly into speed here.
Learn MoreSpeed reading
Block reading, anticipation, cutting regressions. Schulte is the warm-up; the real gain comes from exercises on text.
Learn MoreCourses with a teacher
Lessons with a teacher plus trainers and self-marking homework. For children from 5, with a free trial group lesson.
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