What size is the average human memory, in terms of computer storage sizes?

Question

How many megabytes, gigabytes or terabytes does the average human memory contain?

I know that the human mind does not work like a computer. Maybe you could answer this by saying, for example, if the memory could store 10,000,000,000 words, you could put that as if there was 10,000,000,000 words in a word document. Just some advice.

I realise that this is a hard question to answer, so don't worry if you can't answer. I thought it up in school today and couldn't wait to find out! Thanks to everyone who's answered already! You're all really quick. =)

Answer 1

Current estimates of brain capacity range from 1 to 1000 terabytes!

"Robert Birge (Syracuse University) who studies the storage of data in
proteins, estimated in 1996 that the memory capacity of the brain was
between one and ten terabytes, with a most likely value of 3
terabytes. Such estimates are generally based on counting neurons and
assuming each neuron holds 1 bit. Bear in mind that the brain has
better algorithms for compressing certain types of information than
computers do."


"The human brain contains about 50 billion to 200 billion neurons
(nobody knows how many for sure), each of which interfaces with 1,000
to 100,000 other neurons through 100 trillion (10 14) to 10
quadrillion (10 16) synaptic junctions. Each synapse possesses a
variable firing threshold which is reduced as the neuron is repeatedly
activated. If we assume that the firing threshold at each synapse can
assume 256 distinguishable levels, and if we suppose that there are
20,000 shared synapses per neuron (10,000 per neuron), then the total
information storage capacity of the synapses in the cortex would be of
the order of 500 to 1,000 terabytes. (Of course, if the brain's
storage of information takes place at a molecular level, then I would
be afraid to hazard a guess regarding how many bytes can be stored in
the brain. One estimate has placed it at about 3.6 X 10 19 bytes.)"

Answer 2

What an interesting question, one I could not begin to estimate with any accuracy. I do find it amazing though that someone can remember the words and tunes to songs from years and years ago. I tried to count how many people I knew by name and could put a face to some years ago, and I lost count. Just think how much RAM that would take up in a PC.

Answer 3

Human memory is not arranged in a logical fashion and is not stored in an array of digital switches.

The two are simply not comparable

Answer 4

4 tetrabytes

Answer 5

Petabytes? Just guessing but it's massive.

Answer 6

many times larger than terabites, the unit probably has not been though up yet- too big

Answer 7

cant remember