Mouse Polling Rate Test
How to use it: move your mouse in fast circles inside the box for a few seconds. The test shows your current, average and maximum rate in Hz and the standard polling rate your mouse is most likely using.
This free polling rate test checks how often your mouse reports its position to your computer. The rate is measured in hertz (Hz), meaning reports per second. A mouse with a 1000 Hz polling rate sends its position 1000 times every second, while a 125 Hz mouse sends it 125 times. A higher rate means smaller gaps between updates, which can make cursor movement feel smoother and more responsive.
The test runs in your browser, needs no software, and gives you a result in a few seconds.
How to test your mouse polling rate
- Move your mouse into the box.
- Move it quickly and continuously, in circles or side to side, for about five seconds.
- Watch the live reading and the chart. Each bar is one quarter of a second of movement.
- Read your Average, your Max, and the Likely rate, which is the nearest standard polling rate to your results.
- Press Reset to measure again, for example after changing a setting in your mouse software.
For the best result, keep moving the whole time. Slow or stopping movement produces fewer reports, because many mice only send reports while they are actually moving.
How the test measures it
The page counts how many pointer position updates arrive each quarter of a second while your mouse is moving. In Chrome, Edge and other Chromium browsers it uses raw pointer events, which arrive at close to your mouse’s real report rate. In other browsers it uses coalesced pointer events, which group reports together between screen frames. The method in use is shown under the test.
Why your result might be lower than expected
Browsers are not designed to measure hardware precisely, so treat the result as a good estimate rather than a lab measurement. It can read lower than your mouse’s setting because:
- The browser caps or groups events. Some browsers limit how many pointer events they deliver.
- You moved too slowly or stopped. Most mice only report while moving.
- Power saving or a wireless connection. Some wireless mice lower their rate to save battery.
- A busy computer. Heavy background tasks can delay events.
- Very high rates. Mice set to 4000 Hz or 8000 Hz may read lower in a browser than in dedicated software.
If the likely rate matches your mouse setting, everything is working. If it is far lower, try another browser or check your mouse software.
Common polling rates
| Polling rate | Time between reports | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 125 Hz | 8 ms | Basic office mice |
| 250 Hz | 4 ms | Older or budget mice |
| 500 Hz | 2 ms | Many mid-range mice |
| 1000 Hz | 1 ms | The usual setting for gaming mice |
| 2000 Hz and above | 0.5 ms or less | Newer high-end gaming mice |
Is a higher polling rate better?
For gaming, 1000 Hz is the long-standing standard and feels smooth for most players. Rates above that can reduce input delay slightly further, especially on high refresh rate monitors, but they also use more processor time and battery. If you notice stutter in games after raising your rate, lowering it is a sensible first fix.
Once you have checked your polling rate, test the rest of your setup with the Mouse DPI Analyzer, check every button with the Mouse Test, and see how fast you can click with the CPS test.
Frequently asked questions
How do I change my mouse polling rate?
Most gaming mice let you change the polling rate in the manufacturer’s software, and some have a button on the underside. Basic mice usually have a fixed rate.
Does polling rate affect clicks per second?
Not directly. Polling rate mainly affects how often movement is reported. Your CPS depends on how fast you click.
Why is the result different each time?
Small differences in how fast and how steadily you move change the reading. The average and likely rate are more reliable than any single reading.
Can I test a touchpad or phone with this?
No. Polling rate is a mouse feature, so the test only measures mouse movement. Touchpads and touchscreens work differently.
Does this test need any software?
No. It runs entirely in your browser. Nothing is installed and no data leaves your device.