How to use the Reaction Time Test
- Click the test area to begin. When it turns red, wait and do not click yet.
- When it turns green (or you hear the beep), click the area or press Space immediately.
- After five attempts, review the median, average and best; your personal best is saved on this device.
- Challenge family and friends, and rest your eyes between rounds.
What a normal reaction time is
Simple visual reaction time depends on age, attention, fatigue and hardware. In browser tests most adults score roughly 200–300 ms, and practised gamers may be faster; reaction to sound is usually slightly quicker than to light. Use results for self-comparison and fun only; they do not reflect intelligence, health or driving ability.
Why the median is used
Single attempts are affected by momentary distraction or luck. The median of five attempts discards an unusually fast or slow outlier and represents your level better than the mean. False starts are not scored.
How hardware latency adds up
Display refresh (about 16.7 ms per frame at 60 Hz), mouse or touch sampling and browser processing all add to your score. Comparisons across devices are not perfectly fair; high-refresh screens and wired mice usually yield lower numbers.
Frequently asked questions
Is my score fast or slow?
Most people score 200–300 ms in browser tests, and under 200 ms is fast. Lack of sleep, fatigue or distraction slows you down.
Why are phone and computer scores different?
Touch screens and mice have different sampling delays and screens refresh at different rates. Compare progress on the same device.
Does a slow time mean a health problem?
It cannot indicate a health condition. If you notice slower reactions or poorer coordination in daily life, talk to a doctor.
Does the test flash?
It only switches the whole area between red and green, with no rapid flashing. Lower the brightness if colour changes bother you.
Where is my best score stored?
In your browser’s local storage on this device. It is never uploaded and resets if you clear browser data.