How to use the refresh rate test
- Close other busy tabs and plug in a laptop if you can.
- Press Measure refresh rate and keep this tab open and visible.
- Wait about five seconds while the square moves across the track.
- Read the measured Hz, the nearest standard rate and the frame time figures.
- If the rate is lower than your screen should support, check your display settings and cable, then run the test again.
Common refresh rates and frame times
| Refresh rate | Time per frame | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 30 Hz | 33.3 ms | Low end or power saving mode |
| 60 Hz | 16.7 ms | Standard monitors, laptops and TVs |
| 75 Hz | 13.3 ms | Budget gaming and office monitors |
| 90 Hz | 11.1 ms | Many phones |
| 120 Hz | 8.3 ms | High end phones, tablets and TVs |
| 144 Hz | 6.9 ms | Gaming monitors |
| 165 Hz | 6.1 ms | Gaming monitors and laptops |
| 240 Hz | 4.2 ms | Competitive gaming monitors |
Who this is for
- New gaming monitor ownersConfirm your 144 Hz or 240 Hz screen is really running at that rate and not stuck at 60.
- Laptop and phone usersSee whether power saving mode has quietly dropped your screen to a lower rate.
- Buyers of used displaysCheck the advertised rate before you pay.
- TroubleshootersSpot dropped frames and stutter caused by cables, drivers or heavy background load.
- Web and game developersLearn the real frame budget of a device you are testing on.
- Anyone comparing screensPut a number on the smoothness difference between two displays.
Frequently asked questions
How does a browser test measure refresh rate?
The page asks the browser to draw a new frame each time the screen is ready for one, and records the exact time of every frame for five seconds. The usual gap between frames, in milliseconds, gives the rate: 16.7 ms is 60 Hz, 8.3 ms is 120 Hz and 6.9 ms is 144 Hz.
My 144 Hz monitor shows 60 Hz. Why?
This is the most common result. Windows or macOS may still be set to 60 Hz even though the monitor supports more. In Windows open Display settings, then Advanced display, and choose the higher rate. Also check that you use a DisplayPort or high speed HDMI cable on the right port.
Is the result exact?
It is a close estimate. Browsers sync to the screen, so the reading is usually within one or two Hz. Variable refresh rate screens can show a changing number, and some browsers lock the page to 60 Hz when battery saver is on.
What does a dropped frame mean here?
A dropped frame is one that took clearly longer than the usual gap, so the screen showed the old image for an extra cycle. A few drops in a busy browser are normal. Many drops on a quiet page can mean a weak graphics setup, heavy background load or power saving mode.
What is a good frame time?
It should be steady. At 60 Hz the target is about 16.7 ms, at 120 Hz about 8.3 ms, at 144 Hz about 6.9 ms and at 240 Hz about 4.2 ms. The jitter figure shows how far frames stray from that target. A small jitter means smooth motion.
Do I need a 120 Hz or 144 Hz screen?
Higher rates make scrolling, cursor movement and fast games look smoother, and the benefit is easiest to notice when moving from 60 to 120 Hz or more. For office work, reading and video, 60 Hz is fine.
Why does the number change between runs?
Background tabs, system load, battery saver and variable refresh rate can all change it. Close other tabs, plug in a laptop, set the power mode to high performance and run the test a couple of times.
Does this test work on phones and tablets?
Yes. Many phones run at 60, 90, 120 or an adaptive rate, and the result shows what the browser is using at the moment. Some phones lower the rate in battery saver mode or on static pages, so run it with the screen busy and the battery saver off.