Refresh Rate Test: Check Your Monitor's Hz

The test measures how often your browser draws a new frame, which follows your screen's refresh rate. It starts on its own. Keep this tab in front while it runs.

Free, no sign-upWorks in your browserLast reviewed November 2026

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Illustration of the Refresh Rate Test

How the refresh rate test works

Your screen redraws itself many times a second. That speed is the refresh rate, measured in hertz (Hz). A 60 Hz screen redraws 60 times a second, and a 144 Hz gaming monitor redraws 144 times.

Browsers draw animation in step with the screen. This tool times a few hundred of those frames, takes the typical gap between them, and turns it into Hz. It then shows the nearest standard rate, since real measurements always wobble a little.

My result is lower than my monitor's rating

This is very common. A monitor sold as 144 Hz often runs at 60 Hz out of the box. Check these:

  • Windows: open Settings, then System, then Display, then Advanced display, and pick the highest rate under "Choose a refresh rate".
  • Mac: open System Settings, then Displays, and set the Refresh Rate menu.
  • The cable: older HDMI cables and ports may cap the rate. DisplayPort or a newer HDMI cable often unlocks higher speeds.
  • Battery saver: laptops and phones may lower the rate on battery power.

Common refresh rates

  • 60 Hz: standard office monitors, most TVs and older laptops
  • 90 to 120 Hz: many newer phones, tablets and laptops
  • 144 to 165 Hz: mainstream gaming monitors
  • 240 Hz and up: competitive gaming monitors

Also check your screen for bad pixels with the dead pixel test, or see your full display details in my device specs.

Frequently asked questions

Why does the test show 60 Hz on my 144 Hz monitor?

The display is probably set to 60 Hz in your system settings, or the cable or port doesn't support the higher rate. Change the refresh rate in display settings and test again.

How accurate is the browser refresh rate test?

It's accurate to within a hertz or two on most systems. Background tasks, battery saving and running other heavy apps can make it read lower, so close them and test again if the result looks off.

Does this work on phones?

Yes. Phones with 90 or 120 Hz screens often lower the rate to save power, so the result can change depending on what the phone is doing.

What refresh rate do I need for gaming?

Most players notice a clear improvement from 60 Hz to 120 or 144 Hz. Going higher matters most in fast competitive games, and only if your graphics card can produce that many frames.

Sources

Results depend on your device, browser and settings. Nothing you test on this page is uploaded or stored.

Spotted a mistake? Email corrections@gadgetior.com and we'll check it.