How the score is calculated
Cell count is grid size squared. Seconds per cell is raw time divided by cell count. Error-adjusted time adds the selected penalty for every mistake. Practice efficiency points equal cell count divided by adjusted time, multiplied by 100. The default penalty is two seconds, but zero, one, two, and three are available.
Why the score is site-defined
The formula is a comparison convention created for this website, not a validated scientific scale. It has no 100-point ceiling because it represents correctly processed cells per adjusted unit of time. A higher value means more cells per adjusted time under this rule and nothing broader.
Balancing time and accuracy
Raw time alone can reward rushed clicking. Adding a visible error penalty lets mistakes affect the comparison without hiding how much was added. Try another allowed penalty if it better fits your personal routine, but keep the same setting when comparing a series of attempts.
Comparing different grid sizes
Efficiency accounts for cell count, which makes it more informative than raw duration across sizes, but the tasks still differ in density and search path. Treat cross-size comparisons as informal. The strongest personal comparison keeps grid size, mode, input method, device, and penalty unchanged.
Using a personal baseline
Enter an earlier time and mistake count to see adjusted-time change, efficiency change, and the change in mistakes. Negative adjusted-time change means the current adjusted time is shorter. Positive efficiency change means more efficiency points under the same formula. Invalid or zero baselines are not divided.
Worked examples
A 5×5 completed in 25 seconds with no mistakes gives 1.00 second per cell, 25 adjusted seconds, and 100 points. The same grid in 25 seconds with two mistakes gives 29 adjusted seconds and about 86.21 points. A 4×4 in 20 seconds with one mistake gives 22 adjusted seconds and about 72.73 points.
What the score does not measure
The output does not measure intelligence, attention, eyesight, reading ability, or a clinical condition. It is not based on a public ranking or population dataset. Use it as an informal way to document your own comparable practice, and keep the original time and mistake count beside the calculated points.