How to check your polling rate
Move the mouse fast and steadily in circles inside the box for a few seconds. The test counts every position update the browser receives and shows the rate in hertz (Hz). Look at the peak and average while you keep moving. The rate drops when you slow down, because a mouse only reports when it moves.
| Polling rate | Report every | Typical for |
|---|---|---|
| 125 Hz | 8 ms | Office and older mice |
| 500 Hz | 2 ms | Budget gaming mice |
| 1000 Hz | 1 ms | Most gaming mice |
| 4000 to 8000 Hz | 0.25 to 0.125 ms | High-end esports mice |
Why the reading may be lower than your setting
- The browser: Chrome and Edge report the full rate with raw pointer events. Other browsers may cap the rate at your screen refresh rate. Use Chrome or Edge for 1000 Hz and above.
- USB ports: plug the mouse or its receiver straight into the computer, not into a hub or keyboard port.
- Wireless: keep the receiver close to the mouse, ideally on the desk with an extension cable.
- Battery saving: some wireless mice lower the rate when the battery is low.
- Mouse software: check the polling rate setting in the maker's app.
Higher rates use more CPU. If games stutter at 4000 or 8000 Hz, try 1000 Hz.
Frequently asked questions
Short answers to the questions people ask most about this test.
What is mouse polling rate?
The polling rate is how often the mouse reports its position to the computer, measured in Hz. 1000 Hz means once every millisecond.
Is 1000 Hz polling rate better than 500 Hz?
For gaming it gives slightly lower and more even input delay. Most people cannot feel a difference above 1000 Hz.
Why does the test show around 60 or 144 Hz?
Your browser is limiting mouse events to the screen refresh rate. Open the test in Chrome or Edge to see the full rate.