FreeWhat the numbers mean
Refresh rate is measured in hertz (Hz), meaning times per second. The higher it is, the less time passes between one picture and the next:
- 60 Hz: a new picture about every 16.7 milliseconds. Standard for most office monitors and older laptops.
- 120 Hz: about every 8.3 ms. Common on newer phones, tablets and laptops.
- 144 Hz: about every 6.9 ms. A popular step up for gaming monitors.
- 240 Hz and above: about 4.2 ms or less. Aimed at competitive gaming.
The jump from 60 to 120 or 144 Hz is the one most people notice. Beyond that, the difference gets harder to see.
Refresh rate is not frame rate
Refresh rate belongs to the screen. Frame rate (fps) is how many pictures your computer or console produces each second. A 144 Hz monitor only looks smoother if the game or app actually produces more than 60 frames per second. If it can't, the screen just shows the same picture several times.
Why a fast monitor can still run at 60 Hz
This is very common, and it's the main reason to measure instead of trusting the spec sheet:
- The setting was never changed. Many computers start new monitors at 60 Hz.
- The cable or port can't carry it. Older HDMI cables and ports may top out at 60 Hz at higher resolutions. DisplayPort, or a cable and port that match the monitor's HDMI version, usually fixes it.
- Battery saving. Laptops and phones often drop to a lower rate on battery power.
- The browser is limiting it. Some power-saving modes cap how often pages can redraw.
How to change it
- Windows 11: Settings › System › Display › Advanced display, then pick a rate under Choose a refresh rate.
- Windows 10: Settings › System › Display › Advanced display settings, then Refresh rate.
- Mac: System Settings › Displays, then Refresh rate. Only displays that support more than one rate show this option.
- Phones and tablets: look under Display settings for motion smoothness or refresh rate.
After changing it, run the refresh rate test again to confirm it took effect.
Smooth isn't the same as sharp
A high refresh rate doesn't stop blur by itself. If moving objects leave a trail, the pixels may be slow to change colour, which is a different measure called response time. The ghosting test makes this easy to see.
Frequently asked questions
Is 60 Hz bad?
No. For documents, browsing and video, 60 Hz is perfectly fine. Higher rates mainly help games, fast scrolling and drawing.
Does a higher refresh rate use more battery?
Yes, a little. That's why many laptops and phones lower it automatically on battery.
Why does the test show 59.9 instead of 60?
Many displays run at a rate very slightly below the round number. That's normal and doesn't mean anything is wrong.