# Monitor Refresh Rate Test

> Check if your monitor is actually running at its rated refresh rate (60Hz, 144Hz, 240Hz). Verify visual sync and detect screen tearing instantly in your browser.

The Monitor Refresh Rate Test confirms whether your display is actually running at its rated 60Hz, 144Hz, or 240Hz by measuring real frame-paint timing. A moving UFO animation lets you spot screen tearing and compare smoothness across refresh rates.

- **Live tool:** https://www.toolnova.org/diagnostics-tools/refresh-rate-test
- **Category:** Speed Test & Diagnostics (https://www.toolnova.org/diagnostics-tools)
- **Price:** Free
- **Requirements:** Runs in a modern web browser · No signup · No install

## What this tool does

- Hardware Detection: Accurately measures your current running refresh rate by measuring frame-paint deltas.
- UFO Tracking Animation: Moving blocks at varying framerates to visually test screen tearing vs smooth sync.
- Client-Side Only: Processes data completely in your browser without server lag.
- Multi-Monitor Support: Drag this tab between screens to see real-time refresh rate recalibration.

## How to use Monitor Refresh Rate Test

1. **Run the test** — The tool measures your display's real refresh rate from frame timing.
2. **Read the detected rate** — See whether your monitor is running at its rated Hz.
3. **Watch the animation** — Compare moving blocks at different framerates to see tearing versus smooth sync.
4. **Move between monitors** — Drag the tab to another screen to recalibrate for multi-monitor setups.

## Common use cases

- A gamer confirms a new 144Hz monitor is actually running at 144Hz.
- A user diagnoses why gameplay feels choppy despite a high-Hz display.
- A buyer verifies a monitor's specs before the return window closes.
- A designer checks refresh rates across a dual-monitor setup.

## About

### Measure your monitor's real refresh rate

This test measures how many frames per second your display actually renders in the browser, confirming whether your 60Hz, 120Hz, 144Hz, or 240Hz monitor is running at its rated speed. It's the quickest way to verify a new display or check that high-refresh mode is genuinely enabled.

### Diagnose stutter and settings problems

A monitor advertised at 144Hz can silently default to 60Hz if a cable, driver, or OS setting is wrong. Running this test tells you the true rate so you can fix the bottleneck and enjoy the smooth motion you paid for, whether for gaming or general use.

## FAQ

### How do I check my monitor's refresh rate online?

Open this page and the tool will automatically measure your display's actual refresh rate using requestAnimationFrame timing. It shows your real Hz in real-time.

### I have a 144Hz monitor but it shows 60Hz — why?

Your OS defaults to 60Hz even on high-refresh monitors. Fix it by going to Windows Settings → Display → Advanced Display Settings → Refresh Rate, then select 144Hz.

### What is the difference between 60Hz and 144Hz?

A 60Hz monitor refreshes 60 times per second, while 144Hz refreshes 144 times. Higher Hz means smoother motion, especially noticeable in fast games and scrolling. The difference is visually significant.

### Does a higher refresh rate reduce eye strain?

Yes. Higher refresh rates reduce the perceived flicker, which many users find reduces eye fatigue during long sessions. 144Hz is recommended for extended computer use.

### Why does the lower-framerate block look choppy?

When a block moves at 30fps on a 60Hz screen, each frame is displayed twice. Your eye's smooth pursuit tracking fails, causing visible stutter. This demonstrates the real-world impact of low framerates.

### What is screen tearing?

Screen tearing happens when your GPU sends frames faster than the monitor can refresh, causing visible horizontal splits in the image. V-Sync, G-Sync, and FreeSync all fix this by syncing GPU and monitor.

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