How to use the Refresh Rate Test
- Keep this tab visible and wait a few seconds while frames are measured.
- Read the detected refresh rate. The moving bars show how smooth motion looks at that rate.
- If it shows 60 Hz on a high-refresh monitor, check your display settings and cable.
How the refresh rate is measured
Browsers draw one animation frame per screen refresh. The test times hundreds of frames and uses the median interval, so a single hiccup does not change the result. It then matches the nearest standard rate such as 60, 120, 144 or 240 Hz.
Why a 144 Hz monitor shows 60 Hz
The most common reasons: the operating system is still set to 60 Hz (Windows: Settings → Display → Advanced display), the cable or port cannot carry the higher rate (use DisplayPort or HDMI 2.0+), or the laptop is in battery-saving mode. Some browsers also cap frame rate in power-saving modes.
Frequently asked questions
Is the browser refresh rate test accurate?
For standard rates it is reliable within about 1 Hz. Variable refresh (G-Sync/FreeSync) and power saving can make it fluctuate.
Does refresh rate affect reaction time?
Yes, slightly: a 60 Hz screen adds up to 16.7 ms of delay, a 144 Hz screen only up to 6.9 ms.
What about multiple monitors?
The test measures the screen the browser window is on. Drag the window to another screen and it re-measures.