How the Refresh Rate Test Works
The test starts automatically. For four seconds it asks the browser to draw a new frame as often as possible and records the time between frames. Browsers synchronise drawing with the display, so the time between frames is your refresh interval:
Refresh rate (Hz) = 1000 ÷ frame time (ms)
The test uses the median frame time, so an occasional slow frame doesn’t skew the result. It then names the likely setting — the nearest standard rate such as 60, 144 or 240 Hz.
If you have more than one monitor, drag this window to the other screen and press Measure again.
Reading Your Results
| Result | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Refresh rate | What your screen is running at right now |
| Likely setting | The standard rate closest to the measurement |
| Frame time | Time per refresh — 16.7 ms at 60 Hz, 6.9 ms at 144 Hz, 4.2 ms at 240 Hz |
| Dropped frames | Frames that arrived late; more than 2% suggests the system is struggling |
| Frame jitter | How much frame timing varies; lower is smoother |
Common Refresh Rates
| Refresh rate | Frame time | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 60 Hz | 16.7 ms | Standard office monitors, most laptops |
| 75 Hz | 13.3 ms | Budget monitors |
| 120 Hz | 8.3 ms | Phones, TVs, MacBook Pro |
| 144 Hz | 6.9 ms | Entry-level gaming monitors |
| 165 Hz | 6.1 ms | Mid-range gaming monitors |
| 240 Hz | 4.2 ms | Competitive gaming |
| 360–540 Hz | 2.8–1.9 ms | Esports monitors |
How to Fix a Monitor Stuck at 60 Hz
- Set the refresh rate. Windows: Settings → System → Display → Advanced display → Choose a refresh rate. macOS: System Settings → Displays → Refresh rate.
- Use the right cable and port. DisplayPort supports high refresh rates at all common resolutions. With HDMI, you need HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 for 144 Hz+ at 1440p or 4K. Plug into the graphics card, not the motherboard.
- Update your graphics driver and check the monitor’s on-screen menu for an overclock or “high refresh” option.
- Check the resolution. Some monitors only reach their highest refresh rate at native resolution.
Refresh Rate vs Frame Rate
Refresh rate is how often the monitor draws an image (hardware). Frame rate (FPS) is how many images your computer produces. A 144 Hz monitor only shows 144 distinct images per second if the game also runs at 144 FPS or more.
Smooth motion also depends on how quickly pixels change colour. Check that with the ghosting test.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Does My 144 Hz Monitor Show 60 Hz?
Usually the refresh rate in your operating system is still set to 60 Hz, or the cable can't carry the higher rate. In Windows, go to Settings → System → Display → Advanced display and pick the highest rate. Use DisplayPort or an HDMI 2.0/2.1 cable rated for your resolution and refresh rate.
Is the Browser Test Accurate?
Browsers draw one frame per screen refresh, so the frame rate equals your refresh rate when the computer keeps up. If the result is slightly off (for example 143.9 instead of 144), that's normal timing variation. If many frames are dropped, close other tabs and measure again.
Does Variable Refresh Rate (G-Sync / FreeSync) Affect the Result?
Usually not. Browsers run at the monitor's maximum refresh rate on the desktop, and VRR only kicks in for full-screen games. If you see an unexpectedly low or fluctuating number, try measuring with the browser maximised.
What Is a Dropped Frame?
A frame that took at least 1.5 times as long as normal. A few dropped frames during a test are normal; many of them point to a busy CPU, too many browser tabs, or power-saving modes.
Does Refresh Rate Matter Outside Gaming?
Yes. Higher refresh rates make scrolling, cursor movement and window dragging look smoother on any task. The difference between 60 and 120 Hz is noticeable to most people even when just browsing.
Related Tests
- Monitor Ghosting TestWatch blocks move across three backgrounds and look for trails, blur or bright halos behind them.
- Mouse Polling Rate TestMove your mouse and see how many times per second it reports to your computer — from 125 Hz office mice to 8000 Hz gaming sensors.
- Dead Pixel TestFill your screen with solid colours one at a time to spot dead, stuck or hot pixels.
- PPI CalculatorEnter a screen's resolution and size to see its pixel density, dot pitch and how close you can sit before pixels become visible.
Last updated · Part of our display tests.