Reaction Time Test

What this reaction time test does

This reaction time test measures how quickly you respond to a visual signal. The box starts red. After a random wait of one to four and a half seconds it turns green, and you click, tap or press the space bar as fast as you can. The page times the gap in milliseconds, repeats it for the number of rounds you choose, and shows your average, fastest, slowest and median result. Nothing is uploaded; the timing runs entirely in your browser.

How to use it

1. Click the box (or press Space) to start. It turns red.
2. Wait for green. Do not click early. A false start is counted and the round repeats.
3. When it turns green, click or tap as fast as you can. Your time appears at once.
4. Click again for the next round. After the last round you get your average and a rough comparison with other people.
5. Choose 3, 5 or 10 rounds. Ten rounds give the steadiest average because one slow reaction counts for less.

What your score means

Average	What it suggests
Under 200 ms	Exceptional, often a trained gamer on fast hardware
200 to 230 ms	Very fast
230 to 270 ms	Typical for a healthy adult
270 to 330 ms	Average to a little slow
Over 330 ms	Slow; tired, distracted or a laggy setup

The comparison under your result is a rough guide based on the figures commonly seen in online tests. It is not a medical measurement.

Why your score isn’t pure reaction speed

Your number includes more than your nervous system. The screen has to draw the green frame, your mouse or touch screen has to register the click, and the browser has to pass it on. Together this often adds 30 to 80 milliseconds. A 144 Hz monitor and a wired mouse usually score better than a 60 Hz laptop screen with a trackpad, so compare results from the same device. For the pure human part, see our guide to the average reaction time.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good reaction time?

Between 200 and 250 milliseconds is good for a simple visual test on a normal computer. Under 200 is excellent. Most people land between 230 and 300.

Why does my time change from round to round?

Attention, the random wait and small timing differences all play a part. That is why the test averages several rounds instead of trusting one.

Can I improve my reaction time?

A little. Sleep, a good screen and mouse, and practice help, and the gains are small. Anticipating the signal does not count: the wait is random so guessing leads to false starts.

Does it work on a phone?

Yes, tap the box. Touch screens add their own delay, so scores are often slower than with a mouse.

Is my result saved?

Only your personal best, and only in your own browser. Nothing is sent to a server.

Want to test speed differently? Try the CPS test for clicks per second, the spacebar counter, or check a controller with the gamepad tester.