Reaction Time Test

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Test your reaction time

Understanding Your Score

Your reaction time is measured in milliseconds (ms) — one thousandth of a second. When the screen turns green, the timer starts. When you click, it stops. The difference is your reaction time.

Lightning Fast: Under 180ms

Professional-level reflexes. You'd fit right in with esports players and fighter pilots.

Fast: 180–220ms

Above average. You likely have good hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.

Average: 220–280ms

Right in the middle of the pack. Most people fall in this range on their first try.

Slow: Over 280ms

Below average, but factors like fatigue, device lag, and distraction all play a role. Try again when you're more alert.

This test measures simple reaction time — responding to a single stimulus with a single action. It's the fastest type of reaction. Choice reaction time (where you must pick between responses) is naturally slower, averaging 300–400ms.

How You Compare

See how your reaction time stacks up against different groups. The data below is compiled from research studies and aggregate testing data.

General Population
250ms
Casual Gamers
230ms
Athletes
210ms
F1 Drivers
200ms
Pro Esports
180ms
Fighter Pilots
190ms

Want to see more detailed data? Check our average reaction time by age and gender breakdown.

Factors That Affect Your Reaction Time

Sleep

Sleep deprivation can slow reaction time by 20–30%. Just one night of poor sleep (under 6 hours) has a measurable impact on your reflexes, similar to a blood alcohol level of 0.05%.

Caffeine

Moderate caffeine intake (100–200mg, about 1–2 cups of coffee) can improve reaction time by 5–10%. The effect peaks about 30–60 minutes after consumption and lasts 3–5 hours.

Age

Reaction time peaks in your mid-20s and gradually slows. By age 60, the average person is about 25% slower than at their peak. Regular practice can offset much of this decline.

Physical Fitness

Regular aerobic exercise improves cognitive processing speed. Studies show physically active adults have 10–15% faster reaction times compared to sedentary individuals of the same age.

Screen & Input Device

Your monitor's refresh rate and input lag matter. A 144Hz monitor with a wired mouse can shave 10–20ms off your measured time compared to a 60Hz display with a wireless mouse.

Attention & Focus

Distraction and divided attention significantly slow reaction time. Focused, undivided attention can improve your score by 20–40ms compared to when you're multitasking or distracted.

Want to learn proven techniques for getting faster? Read our guide on how to improve your reaction time.

Try a Different Test

Audio Reaction Test

Test your auditory reflexes. Are your ears faster than your eyes?

F1 Reaction Test

Simulate an F1 race start. Can you beat a real F1 driver?

Aim Reaction Test

Click moving targets. Tests both speed and accuracy.

Sequence Memory Test

A Simon Says challenge. How long a sequence can you remember?

Color Reaction Test

Only click on green among distractors. Tests selective attention.

Average Reaction Times

Detailed data by age, gender, and activity with interactive charts.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good reaction time?
A good reaction time for most people is between 200–250 milliseconds. Competitive gamers and athletes typically achieve 150–200ms, while the general population averages around 250ms. Anything under 200ms is considered fast, and under 160ms is exceptional.
What is the average human reaction time?
The average human reaction time to a visual stimulus is approximately 250 milliseconds (a quarter of a second). This varies by age — younger adults (18–30) average around 220ms, while older adults (60+) average closer to 300ms. Auditory reaction time is typically faster, averaging about 170ms. See our detailed breakdown by age and gender.
How can I improve my reaction time?
The most effective methods are: regular practice (15 minutes daily), adequate sleep (7–9 hours), physical exercise, strategic caffeine use, and playing action video games. With consistent training, most people can improve by 10–20% over a few weeks. Read our full guide on how to improve your reaction time.
Does age affect reaction time?
Yes. Reaction time peaks in your mid-20s and gradually slows due to changes in neural processing speed, nerve conduction velocity, and muscle response time. By age 60, average reaction time increases by about 25–30%. However, regular practice and physical fitness can significantly offset this age-related decline.
Why is my reaction time different each time?
Reaction time naturally varies from trial to trial due to fluctuations in attention, anticipation, neural noise, and moment-to-moment brain state. This variability (called intra-individual variability) is normal and is why our test uses a 5-attempt protocol — averaging multiple attempts gives a more stable and accurate measurement.
What is simple vs choice reaction time?
Simple reaction time involves one stimulus and one response (this test). Choice reaction time requires selecting among different responses based on different stimuli — it's slower because your brain needs extra processing time to identify the stimulus and choose the correct response. Our Color Reaction Test measures choice reaction time. Learn more about the science of reaction time.
Is reaction time genetic?
Partially. Twin studies suggest that about 25–50% of reaction time variation is heritable, related to nerve conduction velocity and neural efficiency. But environment and training play a huge role — even people with slower baseline reaction times can improve significantly with practice. Genetics set a range; training determines where you land within it.
How accurate is this online reaction time test?
Online tests are accurate to within about 10–30ms of laboratory chronometers, depending on your setup. For the best accuracy: use a wired mouse, a high-refresh-rate monitor (120Hz+), close other browser tabs, and ensure your computer isn't under heavy load. Our 5-attempt protocol with statistical averaging further improves reliability.