Refresh Rate Check
Test your monitor's current refresh rate and see the difference in motion smoothness.
Check Refresh Rate
Note: The accuracy depends on your browser's performance and hardware acceleration.
Smoothness Preview
Visualizing Hz with a bouncing ball
How to use this tool
- Observe the Detected Refresh Rate in the left card.
- Watch the Bouncing Ball to see the smoothness of your display.
- Ensure Hardware Acceleration is enabled in your browser settings for accuracy.
- Close other tabs if the FPS counter is fluctuating.
About Refresh Rate
The refresh rate of your monitor refers to how many times per second the image on the screen is updated. It is measured in Hertz (Hz).
Higher refresh rates result in smoother motion, reduced motion blur, and a more responsive experience, which is especially important for gaming and high-end video production.
Hz vs FPS: What's the Difference?
Refresh Rate (Hz)
This is a hardware specification. It tells you the maximum number of times your monitor can "draw" a new image every second. It is constant and doesn't change unless you manually adjust your display settings.
Frame Rate (FPS)
This is a software performance metric. It tells you how many frames of video or gameplay your computer (CPU/GPU) is producing every second. This number fluctuates depending on the complexity of the scene.
Ideally, your FPS should match or exceed your Hz for the smoothest experience.
Benefits of High Refresh Rates
Reduced Eye Strain
Smoother motion is easier for the brain to process, leading to less fatigue during long sessions.
Lower Latency
High Hz displays reduce the "input lag" between your mouse movement and the action on screen.
Better Clarity
Moving objects appear sharper and more detailed, with significantly less "ghosting" or blur.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Hz and FPS?
Hz (Hertz) refers to the hardware's maximum refresh rate—how many times per second the monitor can draw a new image. FPS (Frames Per Second) refers to the software's performance—how many frames the computer is actually producing.
Why is my 144Hz monitor stuck at 60Hz?
This is often due to OS settings, cable limitations (need DP or HDMI 2.1), or browser hardware acceleration being disabled. Check Advanced Display settings in your OS.
Does a higher refresh rate reduce eye strain?
Yes, smoother motion is generally easier for the brain to process, which can lead to less eye fatigue during long computing or gaming sessions.
Is 120Hz enough for gaming?
For most gamers, 120Hz or 144Hz is the 'sweet spot' where you get significant smoothness improvements. Competitive esports players often prefer 240Hz or 360Hz for minimal latency.
Do I need a special cable for high refresh rates?
Yes. To achieve high refresh rates at high resolutions, you typically need DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 cables. Standard HDMI cables may be capped at 60Hz.
Troubleshooting: Stuck at 60Hz?
If your 144Hz or 240Hz monitor is only showing 60Hz on this test, try the following:
1. Check OS Settings
In Windows (Display Settings > Advanced Display) or macOS (Displays), ensure the refresh rate is manually set to the maximum available.
2. Cable Limitations
Ensure you are using a high-quality DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 cable. Older HDMI versions often cap out at 60Hz for 4K resolutions.
3. GPU Drivers
Keep your graphics card drivers up to date. Nvidia and AMD regularly release fixes for display recognition issues.
4. Browser Limitations
Some browsers may limit frame rates if "Hardware Acceleration" is disabled in the settings. Ensure it is turned ON.