How to take the reaction time test
- Click or tap the blue box, or press Space, to begin.
- The box turns red. Keep your finger ready and wait.
- At a random moment it turns green. Click, tap or press Space as fast as you can.
- Your time appears in milliseconds. Click again for the next try. After five tries you get your average.
If you click while the box is still red, the test says “Too soon” and that try doesn’t count.
How much of the result is your device?
Every reaction time measured on a computer or phone includes the time the device takes to show the green and to report your click. The test starts its clock when the browser draws the green, but the screen may need part of a frame more to show it, and your mouse, keyboard or touch screen needs a moment to report the press.
| Part of the chain | Typical extra delay |
|---|---|
| 60 Hz screen | Up to 16.7 ms per frame |
| 144 Hz screen | Up to about 7 ms per frame |
| 240 Hz screen | Up to about 4 ms per frame |
| Mouse at 125 Hz polling | Up to 8 ms |
| Mouse at 1000 Hz polling | Up to 1 ms |
| TV not in game mode | Often much more, depending on the TV |
The frame times follow from the refresh rate (1000 ms ÷ Hz), and polling delay from the mouse’s report rate. Check yours with the monitor test and the mouse test.
Tips for a faster, fairer result
- Use a wired mouse or keyboard if you can, and a high refresh rate if your screen supports it.
- On a TV, turn on Game mode to cut picture processing delay.
- Close other busy tabs and apps so the computer isn’t slowed down during a try.
- Do a few warm-up tries, then take the five that count.
- Keep your eyes on the box and your finger resting on the button, ready to press.
Want to test speed of a different kind? Try the CPS test for clicking speed or the typing test.
Is this test private?
Yes. The test runs in your browser. Only your best average is saved, in this browser, and nothing is uploaded.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good reaction time?
Most people score roughly between 200 and 300 milliseconds on a simple test like this one, and practiced gamers are often at the faster end. The number also depends on your screen, mouse or touch screen, so compare results you get on the same device rather than with someone else’s.
Does my screen or mouse change the result?
Yes. Every result includes the time your devices take. A 60 Hz screen draws a new picture every 16.7 ms, so the green can take up to that long to appear, while a 144 Hz screen takes at most about 7 ms. Wireless and Bluetooth mice and keyboards, TVs outside game mode and some touch screens add more. The page shows your screen’s refresh rate so you can see its share.
Why is my reaction time slower on my phone or TV?
Touch screens need a moment to detect a tap, and many TVs process the picture before showing it, which adds delay. On a TV, turn on Game mode. On a phone, a quick firm tap works best. Your reflexes are the same; the device is slower.
Why did the test say “Too soon”?
You clicked before the box turned green. The green appears at a random moment between 1.5 and 4.5 seconds, so guessing doesn’t work. A try that is too soon doesn’t count; just click to try again.
Can I improve my reaction time?
A little. Being rested and alert makes the biggest difference, and a few warm-up tries help. Regular practice, for example in fast games, can bring it down further. Caffeine, tiredness, distractions and even the time of day all change it, so test at the same time to track progress.
Is my score saved or sent anywhere?
Your best average is saved only in this browser so you can try to beat it. Nothing is uploaded.