The “7 G’s of intelligence” (in plain English)
The 7 G’s of intelligence are a commonly used set of seven broad cognitive abilities—often discussed in the context of psychoeducational testing and the Cattell–Horn–Carroll (CHC) model of cognitive abilities. They’re called “G’s” because each ability is traditionally labeled with a G + letters abbreviation.
In many real-world assessment settings, these seven are the most frequently measured broad abilities:
- Gf – Fluid Reasoning
- Gc – Crystallized Intelligence (Comprehension–Knowledge)
- Gsm – Short-Term Memory
- Gv – Visual Processing
- Ga – Auditory Processing
- Glr – Long-Term Storage & Retrieval
- Gs – Processing Speed
This “set of seven” shows up often because, while CHC theory includes more than seven broad abilities, these seven are widely assessed across major test batteries and are frequently highlighted in cognitive evaluation summaries. (1 2)
Important nuance: this is not the same as Spearman’s g (general intelligence). The “7 G’s” are seven broad ability domains, not one single overall score—even though many models also include a general factor at the top.
1) Gf — Fluid Reasoning
What it is: Your ability to solve new, unfamiliar problems using logic—especially when you can’t lean on memorized facts or routines. (1)
Everyday examples: - Troubleshooting why a new device won’t pair over Bluetooth - Spotting a pattern in a puzzle or data set - Figuring out a workaround when instructions don’t match what you’re seeing
When it’s strained: People may feel “stuck” unless the problem looks like something they’ve done before.
2) Gc — Crystallized Intelligence (Comprehension–Knowledge)
What it is: The breadth and depth of learned knowledge—vocabulary, concepts, cultural knowledge, and the ability to use what you’ve learned to reason in familiar contexts. (1)
Everyday examples: - Understanding a news article’s terminology - Explaining a concept clearly to someone else - Using your experience to make a good judgment call in a familiar situation
Key point: Gc is strongly shaped by education and exposure over time.
3) Gsm — Short-Term Memory
What it is: Holding and manipulating information in immediate awareness for a few seconds (often overlapping with “working memory” in everyday speech). (1)
Everyday examples: - Remembering a verification code long enough to type it - Following multi-step directions without re-checking - Doing mental math or keeping track of conversational details
When it’s strained: Multi-step instructions and “keep these three things in mind…” moments become exhausting.
4) Gv — Visual Processing
What it is: Understanding and mentally manipulating visual patterns and spatial relationships (including mental rotation and visualization). (1)
Everyday examples: - Reading maps, floor plans, or diagrams - Packing a car trunk efficiently - Noticing visual differences or assembling furniture from pictures
5) Ga — Auditory Processing
What it is: Analyzing and discriminating sounds, including speech sounds—especially in less-than-perfect listening conditions. (1)
Everyday examples: - Understanding someone in a noisy room - Catching subtle sound differences (important in language learning) - Following rapid speech without asking for repeats
Common confusion: This is not the same thing as hearing volume (that’s more about hearing acuity). It’s about how the brain processes sound patterns.
6) Glr — Long-Term Storage & Retrieval
What it is: Storing information and pulling it back quickly later—facts, experiences, names, associations, and learned procedures. (1)
Everyday examples: - Recalling a person’s name after meeting them once - Retrieving a word that’s “on the tip of your tongue” - Learning a routine so it becomes easy to access
When it’s strained: Learning can feel “leaky”—you study, but retrieval later is slow or unreliable.
7) Gs — Processing Speed
What it is: Doing simple cognitive tasks quickly and accurately, especially under time pressure (think scanning, matching, clerical-type tasks). (1)
Everyday examples: - Rapidly spotting differences between two lists - Keeping up with fast-paced paperwork - Copying information accurately without losing your place
Big caveat: Lower processing speed doesn’t mean “less smart.” It often means you do fine work—just with a different timing profile.
Where did the “7 G’s” idea come from?
In practice, “7 G’s” is a convenient way educators and clinicians summarize a set of CHC-aligned broad abilities that are commonly measured in comprehensive cognitive evaluations. (2 1)
CHC theory itself is a broader framework that organizes cognitive abilities into multiple layers (narrow skills → broad abilities → sometimes a general factor). CHC lists more than seven broad abilities, but many assessments and reports emphasize these seven because they’re frequently captured well by standard test batteries. (1)
Why the 7 G’s are useful (outside of testing)
Even if you never take a formal IQ or psychoeducational assessment, the 7 G’s can help you:
- Diagnose friction: Is the problem comprehension (Gc), attention/holding steps (Gsm), or speed (Gs)?
- Choose smarter strategies: For example, if Glr is the bottleneck, you might prioritize retrieval practice over re-reading.
- Communicate needs: “I understand it, I just need more time” is often a Gs issue—not a motivation issue.
Quick, practical ways to support each “G”
These aren’t “hacks” for instant IQ gains—but they are realistic supports that often help performance.
- Gf (Fluid Reasoning): Do novel problem-solving regularly (logic puzzles, learning new tools), and explain your reasoning aloud.
- Gc (Crystallized): Read widely, keep a running glossary, and teach what you learn to someone else.
- Gsm (Short-Term Memory): Externalize steps (checklists), reduce cognitive load, and chunk instructions.
- Gv (Visual): Use sketches/diagrams, spatial tools, and visual note systems.
- Ga (Auditory): Use captions, improve listening environments, and consider audio training if language is a goal.
- Glr (Long-Term Retrieval): Use spaced repetition and frequent low-stakes quizzes (retrieval practice).
- Gs (Processing Speed): Ask for time accommodations when possible, automate repetitive steps, and prioritize accuracy over rushing.
If you suspect a clinically significant learning difference or disability, a licensed professional can interpret patterns across these domains in a way self-checks can’t.
A modern angle: “intelligence” also shows up in interactive technology
One reason people like the CHC-style breakdown is that it mirrors how real systems work: performance is rarely “one thing.” It’s a combination of reasoning, knowledge, memory, perception, and speed—whether we’re talking about humans learning a new skill or technology adapting to human preferences.
If you’re curious about where interactive tech is heading in adult wellness, you can take a look at Orifice.ai. In a product-adjacent (not explicit) sense, it’s a helpful example of how sensing + feedback can create a more responsive experience: Orifice.ai offers a sex robot / interactive adult toy for $669.90, featuring interactive penetration depth detection—a technical capability that, conceptually, resembles “closing the loop” between input signals and adaptive behavior.
TL;DR
The 7 G’s of intelligence are a practical shorthand for seven broad cognitive abilities often highlighted in CHC-aligned assessments:
- Gf (Fluid Reasoning)
- Gc (Crystallized Intelligence)
- Gsm (Short-Term Memory)
- Gv (Visual Processing)
- Ga (Auditory Processing)
- Glr (Long-Term Storage & Retrieval)
- Gs (Processing Speed)
Used thoughtfully, they’re less about labeling people—and more about understanding how someone learns, solves problems, and performs across different demands. (1 2)
