Reaction Time Test: Measure Your Reflexes (in ms) & Improve Your Speed
Instantly test your reaction speed with our simple, tap-to-react tool. When the screen turns green, click or tap as fast as you can. Your score shows up in milliseconds (ms) — the lower, the faster.
What is reaction time?
Reaction time is the delay between a stimulus (like a color change) and your response (tap/click). In a simple reaction time task, you respond to one signal; in a choice reaction time task, you choose between options — which is slower by design. Peer-reviewed summaries place simple reaction time around ~220 ms on average, while recognition/choice tasks take longer (~384 ms).
What’s a “good” reaction time?
- <200 ms: exceptional (often trained/cross-device optimized)
- 200–250 ms: typical for healthy adults in simple tasks
- 250–300 ms: slightly slower than typical; very normal on mobile
- >300 ms: common with fatigue, distractions, or older devices
Large online datasets show median scores around ~273 ms (simple visual click task), with averages ~284 ms. Device/display latency can shift scores.
How our test works (and why device latency matters)
- We show a neutral screen, then switch to green after a random delay.
- When you see green, you tap/click as quickly as possible.
- We record the time between color-change and your click.
Tip: High-refresh monitors, low-latency touchscreens, and responsive mice can improve results because some delay comes from your hardware, not just you. Close background tabs, use full-screen, and test on a fast device for the fairest comparison.
Why your reaction time changes
- Sleep & alertness: Sleep loss reliably slows reaction time and reduces attention. Even short-term deprivation increases RT and errors.
- Age: Reaction time gradually increases with age due to neural processing changes — not merely “being extra cautious.”
- Task type: Choice/recognition tasks are inherently slower than simple one-signal tests.
- Device & environment: Input lag, refresh rate, screen brightness, and distractions affect scores.
How to get the most accurate score
- Use the same device and browser each time; close other tabs/apps.
- Test after a normal night’s sleep and when you feel alert.
- Do 5 trials and compare your median — less sensitive to one bad click. (Human-scale datasets report median ~273 ms.)
Improve your reaction time (safely)
You can’t hack biology, but you can reduce avoidable slow-downs:
- Sleep & schedule: Prioritize consistent sleep; avoid heavy testing when drowsy.
- Practice the exact task: Practicing simple RT tasks improves motor preparation and visual expectancy.
- Declutter inputs: Minimize on-screen motion; maximize contrast; go full-screen.
- Warm-up protocol (1–2 min): 10 quick visual taps → 20s rest → 10 taps → test run.
Reaction time vs choice reaction time
| Task | Example | Typical range |
|---|---|---|
| Simple RT | Tap when screen turns green | ~200–250 ms (adults) |
| Recognition RT | Tap only when a target appears | ~300–400 ms |
| Choice RT | Press A for red, L for blue | Often >350 ms |
Longer times come from extra brain steps (detect → decide → act), not “worse reflexes.”
Compare your score
- Median adult simple RT: ~273 ms in large online datasets.
- Remember: displays, mice, and phones add latency — compare like with like.
Try the Reaction Speed Test Now →
FAQs
Is <200 ms realistic?
Yes, but uncommon for simple RT without device latency. Scores vary by device, alertness, and practice.
Why is my phone score slower than my PC?
Touch latency, refresh rate, and motion processing differ across devices; many phones add more input lag than gaming PCs/monitors.
Does more practice always make me faster?
Practice helps you approach your personal ceiling, but sleep, age, and task complexity still set limits.
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