What Is the Mouse Polling Rate Test?
A mouse polling rate test estimates how frequently your mouse reports its position to the computer, measured in Hertz (Hz). A 1000Hz mouse reports its position 1000 times per second, or once every millisecond. Higher polling rates mean smoother cursor movement and lower input latency, which is important for competitive gaming. This tool uses browser pointer event timestamps to estimate your polling rate. Because browser and operating system limitations affect the accuracy of this method, the result is an estimate rather than a precise measurement. For exact polling rate values, use the software provided by your mouse manufacturer (such as Logitech G HUB or Razer Synapse).
How It Works
When you move your mouse, the operating system receives position updates at the mouse polling rate. The browser translates these into pointermove events, each with a high-precision timestamp from performance.now(). By collecting many timestamps and calculating the average interval between them, the tool can estimate the polling rate. For example, if the average interval is 1ms, the estimated rate is 1000Hz. However, browsers may coalesce pointer events, the OS may throttle input processing, and USB polling can introduce jitter, so the estimate may not match the exact hardware polling rate.
How to Use
- Click Start to begin measuring.
- Move your mouse continuously in circular or back-and-forth motions inside the test area.
- The estimated polling rate updates in real-time as more samples are collected.
- Continue moving for at least 10 to 15 seconds for a more stable estimate.
- Click Stop when done and review your estimated Hz.
- Compare your result to the common polling rates listed below the tool.
Tips & Information
Keep Moving
The tool can only measure polling rate while the mouse is actively moving. If you stop moving, no new events are generated. Keep a steady, continuous motion throughout the measurement period.
Check Mouse Software
Most gaming mice let you set the polling rate in their software. Common options are 125Hz, 250Hz, 500Hz, and 1000Hz. If your estimate is much lower than the setting, your mouse may be operating in a power-saving mode or there may be a USB issue.
Use a USB Port Directly
USB hubs, especially unpowered ones, can introduce latency and reduce effective polling rates. For the most accurate results, plug your mouse directly into a motherboard USB port.
Browser Limitations
Browsers may throttle or coalesce pointer events, especially when the tab is not focused or during heavy rendering. For best results, close other tabs and ensure the test tab is in the foreground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this estimate accurate?
The estimate is approximate. Browser event coalescing and OS-level throttling can cause the measured rate to be lower than the actual hardware polling rate. For exact values, use manufacturer software like Logitech G HUB or Razer Synapse.
What polling rate should I use for gaming?
1000Hz is the standard for competitive gaming, providing 1ms input intervals. Higher rates (2000Hz, 4000Hz, 8000Hz) offer diminishing returns and can increase CPU usage. For most gamers, 1000Hz is optimal.
Why is my estimate lower than my mouse setting?
This can happen due to browser event coalescing, USB power management, or using a USB hub. Try a direct USB port, close other applications, and ensure your mouse software has the correct polling rate set.
Does polling rate affect CPS?
Indirectly, yes. Higher polling rates mean the computer registers clicks with less delay. However, for most users, the difference is negligible. Clicking technique and mouse switch quality have a much larger impact on CPS.
Can I test a wireless mouse?
Yes, but wireless mice may show lower or more variable polling rates due to their wireless protocol. Some high-end wireless gaming mice (like the Logitech G Pro X Superlight) achieve 1000Hz wirelessly, but budget wireless mice may be limited to 125Hz.
What is the difference between polling rate and DPI?
Polling rate is how often the mouse reports its position (in Hz), while DPI (dots per inch) is how much the cursor moves per physical inch of mouse movement. They are independent settings — you can have high DPI with low polling rate or vice versa.