How the reaction test works
- Click the panel to begin. It turns red: wait.
- After a random pause of between one and four seconds it turns green. Click (or tap, or press Space) as quickly as you can.
- Your time is shown in milliseconds. Repeat five times to get your average.
Click while it's still red and you'll see "Too soon!": that attempt doesn't count and you simply try it again. The random delay stops you from guessing the rhythm.
What's a good reaction time?
For a simple test like this, many people average somewhere around 200 to 300 milliseconds. Under 200 ms is very quick. Your result includes a small delay from your own equipment as well as your reflexes:
- Your screen: displays take time to update; a 60 Hz screen draws a new picture about every 17 ms, while 144 Hz and faster monitors show the green sooner.
- Your mouse or touchscreen: wireless mice and touchscreens can add a few milliseconds.
- Your browser and computer: a busy computer can add delay too.
So compare scores on the same device for the fairest results.
How to improve your reaction time
- Sleep and caffeine both affect reflexes. Tired reactions are noticeably slower.
- Warm up with a few attempts; most people get quicker after the first round.
- Relax and focus on the centre of the panel rather than your mouse.
- Practise regularly. Fast-paced games and sports train you to react to visual cues.
Want more? Try the click speed test or check your display's refresh rate.
Simple and choice reaction time
This test measures simple reaction time: one signal, one response. In real life, sport and gaming you usually need choice reaction time, where you must decide which of several responses fits, which takes longer. Age also plays a part: reaction times tend to be quickest in young adulthood and slow gradually after that, though practice and fitness keep them sharp. Try the test at different times of day; many people react noticeably faster when they're fully awake.