
How much information can your brain store?
The human brain can store an impressive amount of data as memories, but just how much information is this?
Asked by: Alex Cooper, Preston
Human brains store information in a way that's not easily measured, nor easily comparable with computers. The unofficial record for remembering the digits of pi is 83,431 decimal places, which would require less than a hundred bytes to represent on a computer.
But anyone can instantly recognise several thousand human faces, from almost any angle and irrespective of expression, hairstyle or lighting. To do this with a computer would require storage of hundreds or thousands of gigabytes.
Read more:
Subscribe to BBC Focus magazine for fascinating new Q&As every month and follow @sciencefocusQA on Twitter for your daily dose of fun science facts.
Authors

Luis trained as a zoologist, but now works as a science and technology educator. In his spare time he builds 3D-printed robots, in the hope that he will be spared when the revolution inevitably comes.
Sponsored Deals

May Half Price Sale
- Save up to 52% when you subscribe to BBC Science Focus Magazine.
- Risk - free offer! Cancel at any time when you subscribe via Direct Debit.
- FREE UK delivery.
- Stay up to date with the latest developments in the worlds of science and technology.