Skill

Reaction Time

Test your reflexes

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About Reaction Time

This test measures how quickly you respond to a visual cue. You wait for the screen to change colour and click the moment it does, repeated across several attempts to produce an average.

A single result tells you very little, because attention fluctuates from moment to moment. The average across several trials is the number worth paying attention to.

How to take the test

  1. 1Wait for the screen to change colour. The delay is randomised so you cannot anticipate it.
  2. 2Click as soon as you see the change.
  3. 3Repeat across several attempts to produce a reliable average.

What the numbers mean

  • Typical adult visual reaction time falls roughly between 200 and 300 milliseconds, with around 250 being a common average.
  • Responses under about 150 milliseconds usually indicate you clicked before the cue rather than in response to it.
  • Reaction time is measurably affected by tiredness, caffeine, screen refresh rate, and input device latency, so comparisons across setups are unreliable.
  • Reaction time declines gradually with age. This is normal and is not an indicator of anything in isolation.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good reaction time?

Most adults land between 200 and 300 milliseconds for a simple visual cue, with roughly 250 being typical. Consistency across attempts matters more than any single best result.

Why do my results vary so much?

Attention naturally fluctuates, and factors like fatigue, caffeine, and how long you waited for the cue all affect individual attempts. Averaging several trials smooths this out.

Does hardware affect the result?

Yes. Monitor refresh rate, input lag, and browser timing all add a few milliseconds, so results are best compared against your own previous scores on the same setup.