5 Second Spacebar Test
How to play: click START, then press the SPACE key on your keyboard as fast as you can. The timer starts with your first press. A physical keyboard is needed: taps on the screen are not counted.
This free 5 second spacebar test counts how many times you can press the SPACE key in five seconds and turns your result into presses per second and an animal rank. Five seconds is the classic length for a spacebar test: long enough for a fair score, short enough to stay at full speed from start to finish.
The timer starts with your first press, so the time you take to react to the start button is not included.
How the 5 second spacebar test works
- Click START SPACE BAR TEST.
- Press SPACE. Your first press starts the five second timer.
- Press as fast as you can until the time is up.
- Your result shows your presses, your presses per second and your rank.
Presses are counted when you release the key, so holding SPACE down does not help. The test needs a physical keyboard: taps on the screen are not counted.
Spacebar test ranks
Your rank is based on presses per second, so the same table applies to every test length:
| Presses per second | Rank |
|---|---|
| up to 3.5 | Sloth |
| 3.6 to 5.5 | Turtle |
| 5.6 to 6.6 | Panda |
| 6.7 to 6.9 | Mouse |
| 7.0 to 7.5 | Buffalo |
| 7.6 to 8.0 | Rabbit |
| 8.1 to 8.5 | Wolf |
| 8.6 to 9.0 | Tiger |
| over 9.0 | Cheetah |
In five seconds, 35 presses gives 7 presses per second and 46 presses or more reaches Cheetah.
Tips for a better 5 second score
- Start fast but controlled. A rhythm you can hold for all five seconds beats a fast start that fades.
- Alternate two fingers or thumbs. Many fast players use two fingers in turn.
- Press lightly. The key only needs to go down far enough to register.
- Sit comfortably. Rest your wrist and keep your hand relaxed.
- Warm up. Your first try is often your slowest.
Other test lengths
- 1 Second Spacebar Test
- 2 Second Spacebar Test
- 10 Second Spacebar Test
- 15 Second Spacebar Test
- Spacebar Counter, the classic 5 second spacebar test
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as the Spacebar Counter?
It uses the same counter and the same five second length. This page focuses on the ranks and links to every other test length.
Does it work on a phone?
Only with a connected keyboard. Taps on the screen are not counted.
Can I hold the key down?
Holding SPACE counts as one press, because each press counts when you release the key.
Is my score saved?
No. Each test starts from zero, and nothing is uploaded.