Monitor Refresh Rate Test

How the Monitor Refresh Rate Test Works

This monitor refresh rate test uses the browser requestAnimationFrame API to animate blocks at different target frame rates. Each row simulates motion as if your display were running at that specific refresh rate by limiting how often the block position updates. Your actual monitor Hz determines which rows appear smooth and which appear choppy. The FPS counter shows your real achieved frame rate, and the frame time graph reveals any inconsistencies or frame drops. This is the fastest way to check monitor Hz without installing any software.

Interpreting Your Monitor Refresh Rate Test Results

The detected Hz estimate is based on the maximum frame rate your browser achieves, which closely matches your monitor refresh rate. If the FPS counter shows 60, your monitor or browser is limited to 60Hz. A reading of 144 indicates your display is running at 144Hz. Some browsers cap frame rates for power saving, so ensure your browser is not in a low-power mode. For the most accurate results, close other tabs and applications that might compete for GPU resources. If your detected Hz is lower than expected, check your display settings in your operating system and verify your cable supports the required bandwidth.

60Hz vs 144Hz Test: Why It Matters for Gaming

The difference between 60Hz and 144Hz is one of the most impactful upgrades a gamer can make. At 60Hz, each frame persists for 16.67ms, which produces noticeable motion blur during fast camera movements. At 144Hz, frames refresh every 6.94ms, resulting in dramatically smoother motion and reduced input lag. This monitor refresh rate test makes the difference immediately visible — if the 144fps row looks noticeably smoother than the 60fps row, your monitor is running above 60Hz. For competitive games like Valorant and CS2, the responsiveness advantage of 144Hz or higher provides a measurable edge in reaction time and target tracking. Use our gaming monitor calculator to find the ideal resolution and size to pair with your refresh rate.

Frame Skipping Test and Common Issues

A frame skipping test checks whether your display is actually rendering every frame it receives. Frame skipping occurs when your display drops frames, causing visible stutters in otherwise smooth animation. This can happen when your GPU cannot keep up with the refresh rate, when VSync is misconfigured, or when background processes consume system resources. The frame time graph makes these drops easy to spot as spikes above the normal baseline. Consistent frame times indicate a stable display, while irregular spikes suggest frame skipping or thermal throttling. If you notice frame drops, check whether your hardware is the culprit with our PC bottleneck calculator.

How to Check Monitor Hz in Your OS

Competitive gamers use this monitor refresh rate test to verify their display is actually running at its advertised Hz. A common issue is purchasing a 144Hz monitor but leaving it configured at 60Hz in display settings. On Windows, right-click the desktop, select Display Settings, then Advanced Display Settings to see your current refresh rate. On macOS, go to System Settings then Displays to check the refresh rate option. After changing display settings, run this test again to verify the change took effect. The visual comparison between the 60fps, 120fps, 144fps, and 240fps rows makes it immediately obvious whether your monitor is achieving its full refresh rate potential. For a complete setup check, also test your keyboard responsiveness and mouse sensitivity to ensure every component of your gaming rig is performing optimally.