How to Use the Refresh Rate Test
- Launch the test above — it measures your refresh rate by counting animation frames using
requestAnimationFrame, the browser's native frame timing API. - Wait 10–15 seconds for an accurate reading. The measurement averages over multiple frames; a longer sample produces a more stable result.
- Compare to your monitor's advertised Hz. A 144Hz monitor should read 144Hz. A 60Hz monitor should read 60Hz.
- If the number is lower than expected, follow the troubleshooting steps below before concluding your panel is faulty.
Note: browser-based refresh rate measurement is accurate to within 1–2Hz under normal conditions. The reading reflects what your operating system and GPU are actually sending to the display, not just what the display hardware is capable of.
What the Number Means
The measured Hz reflects what your current system configuration is delivering to the monitor — not necessarily what the monitor can do.
Common mismatches and why they happen:
- 144Hz monitor showing 60Hz: Windows default resolution or connector change reset the refresh rate to 60Hz — the Windows default. The monitor is fine; the setting needs changing.
- 165Hz monitor showing 144Hz: HDMI 2.0 cable caps 1440p output at 144Hz. DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 required for 165Hz+.
- 240Hz monitor showing 144Hz: GPU output port limitation. Some display outputs on a GPU max out below the panel's rated Hz. Switch to a different port (DisplayPort preferred).
- Reading fluctuates: Background system load or power management settings affecting GPU clock; normal variation of ±1–2Hz is expected.
Why Refresh Rate Matters (and When It Stops Mattering)
60Hz → 144Hz: The most impactful upgrade available in monitor technology. Motion becomes visually smoother and clearer, competitive game feel improves substantially, and UI interactions appear more fluid. If you're on 60Hz, this is worth pursuing.
144Hz → 240Hz: Noticeable in direct comparison, especially for fast-paced competitive games (CS2, Valorant, Apex Legends). The benefit is real but more modest than the 60→144Hz jump. Recommended for competitive gamers; optional for others.
240Hz → 360Hz+: Diminishing returns for most users. The improvement is measurable and professional esports players at the highest level benefit from it, but casual and semi-competitive gamers see minimal practical gain.
Beyond refresh rate, remember that achieving the rated refresh rate in practice requires:
- A GPU capable of reaching that frame count
- The correct cable type for the resolution and Hz combination
- Operating system display settings configured correctly
A 144Hz monitor is only useful if your GPU consistently exceeds 144fps in the games you play.
If Your Refresh Rate Is Wrong — Step-by-Step Fix
Windows:
- Right-click desktop → Display Settings → Advanced Display
- Under "Choose a refresh rate", select your monitor's rated Hz
- Click Apply and check the reading again above
AMD / Nvidia control panel (override Windows settings):
- AMD: AMD Radeon Settings → Display → Custom Resolutions → set Hz
- Nvidia: Nvidia Control Panel → Change Resolution → select Hz from dropdown
Cable check:
| Resolution | Target Hz | Minimum cable |
|---|---|---|
| 1080p | 144Hz | HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 |
| 1440p | 144Hz | HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort 1.2 |
| 1440p | 165Hz+ | DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 |
| 4K | 144Hz | DisplayPort 1.4 or HDMI 2.1 |
GPU port selection: On many GPUs, not all output ports support the same maximum Hz. Prefer DisplayPort over HDMI when available — DisplayPort maintains lower latency and higher bandwidth.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check my monitor's refresh rate?
The most reliable method is the tool above — it measures actual frames rendered per second in your browser, reflecting what your system is delivering to the display. You can also check Windows: right-click the desktop → Display Settings → Advanced Display → shows current refresh rate. Your monitor's OSD typically also displays the current input Hz.
Why does my 144Hz monitor show 60Hz?
The most common cause is Windows defaulting to 60Hz when you change a cable, port, or resolution. Fix it: right-click the desktop → Display Settings → Advanced Display → Choose a refresh rate → select 144Hz. If 144Hz doesn't appear as an option, check your cable type (HDMI 2.0 or DisplayPort required for 1440p at 144Hz) and which GPU output port you're using.
What's the difference between 60Hz and 144Hz?
At 60Hz, each frame is displayed for 16.7ms. At 144Hz, each frame is displayed for 6.9ms. The result is noticeably smoother motion, less input lag, and crisper visual feedback during fast movement. The difference is immediately visible when comparing side by side — most users describe 60Hz as feeling "sluggish" after using 144Hz.
Does refresh rate affect gaming performance?
Yes, in two ways. First, higher refresh rate reduces display lag — the time between a frame being rendered and being shown on screen. Second, higher Hz means you see more frames per second, giving you faster visual feedback on fast-moving targets. This is most significant in competitive shooters where reaction time matters most.
How do I enable 144Hz in Windows?
Right-click the desktop → Display Settings → scroll down and click Advanced Display → under "Choose a refresh rate", select 144Hz from the dropdown. If 144Hz is not listed, the cause is either an unsupported cable type, wrong GPU output port, or driver issue. Use DisplayPort 1.2+ for 1080p/1440p at 144Hz.