Mouse Polling Rate Test
Polling rate is how many times per second your mouse reports its position to the computer. A higher rate means smoother, more up-to-date movement. Most office mice run at 125 Hz, gaming mice usually at 1000 Hz, and some newer ones at 4000 or 8000 Hz.
Move your mouse over the test area and this page shows the rate your browser receives, plus how steady it is.
Mouse Polling Rate (Hz) Benchmark
Track mousemove intervals in real time to measure current, average and peak polling frequency (Hz).
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How to use it
- Close other programs and tabs if possible.
- Move your mouse quickly in circles inside the test area for about five seconds.
- Read the average and peak polling rate.
- If your mouse has software, check the rate it's set to and compare.
What your results mean
Typical results:
Measured Means
About 125 Hz Standard office mouse
About 500 Hz Entry-level gaming setting
About 1000 Hz Standard for gaming mice
- Hz and above High-polling gaming mouse
Why your result might be lower than expected
Reason What to do
Mouse software set lower Raise the polling rate in the mouse's software
Browser limits Use Chrome or Edge, which report high rates most accurately
USB hub or front-panel port Plug directly into a port on the computer
Wireless mode Some mice run at a lower rate wirelessly or on Bluetooth
Browsers can report slightly lower or less steady rates than the mouse's true setting, especially above 1000 Hz.
Polling rate and smoothness
At 125 Hz, your mouse sends a new position every 8 milliseconds. At 1000 Hz it's every millisecond. On a high-refresh monitor, higher rates make the cursor and in-game aim look and feel smoother.
Very high rates (4000 Hz and above) use more of your computer's processing power. If games stutter after raising it, drop back to 1000 Hz.
Common polling rates compared
Polling rate is how often your mouse tells the computer where it is. The table shows the time between updates at common rates. Higher rates mean less waiting for each update, but the benefit gets smaller as the rate goes up.
Most players find 1000 Hz a good balance. Higher rates suit high refresh rate monitors and competitive players.
Polling rate Time between updates Good for
- Hz 8 ms Office use, older mice
- Hz 2 ms General gaming
- Hz 1 ms Most gaming
- Hz 0.5 ms High refresh rate monitors
- Hz and above 0.25 ms or less Competitive play on powerful PCs
Why your result is lower than the box says
The test measures the rate your mouse is actually reporting in the browser. Several things can make it lower than advertised. The mouse may be set to a lower rate in its software. Some browsers and operating systems limit how often they process mouse movement. Moving the mouse slowly can also produce fewer updates.
Move the mouse quickly in circles during the test. If the result is still lower than expected, check the mouse's software settings and try another browser.
Wireless mice
Many wireless gaming mice can reach the same polling rates as wired ones. Higher polling rates use more battery, so some mice lower the rate automatically to save power, especially when the battery is low.
Keep the wireless receiver close to the mouse, ideally using an extension cable, to keep the connection steady. Interference from other wireless devices can lower the measured rate.
Changing your polling rate
Most gaming mice let you change the polling rate in their software. Some have a button underneath or a combination of button presses. Choose the rate, save it, and run the test again to check it applied.
If your mouse has no software and no button, it uses a fixed rate.
Polling rate and monitor refresh rate
Higher polling rates make the biggest difference on high refresh rate monitors. At 60 Hz, the screen updates every
16. 7 milliseconds, so the difference between 500 Hz and 1000 Hz is hard to see. At 240 Hz or more, smoother
mouse updates are easier to notice.
Match your setup to your screen. There's little point in a very high polling rate on a 60 Hz display.
CPU usage at high rates
Each update takes a little processing. At very high rates, that adds up, and some games or computers can stutter. If you notice stutter after raising the polling rate, lower it to 1000 Hz and see whether it goes away.
Newer computers handle high rates better, but some older games aren't designed for them.
Checking for drops and spikes
Watch the graph as well as the average. A steady line means the mouse is reporting consistently. Sudden drops can mean wireless interference, a loose cable or a USB port sharing bandwidth with other devices.
Plug the mouse directly into the computer, not a hub, for the steadiest result.
Mouse sensor and DPI
Polling rate is different from DPI. DPI controls how far the cursor moves for each inch you move the mouse. Polling rate controls how often that movement is reported. Changing one doesn't change the other.
For aiming, set DPI to suit you, then adjust in-game sensitivity. Our Aim Sensitivity Converter can help you keep the same feel across games.
Laptops and power settings
Some laptops reduce USB performance to save battery, which can lower the measured polling rate. Plug the laptop in and choose a high-performance power mode before testing.
If the result improves when plugged in, keep the laptop on mains power while gaming.
Is a higher polling rate worth it?
For most players, 1000 Hz is enough. Higher rates can feel slightly smoother on fast monitors and help in competitive games, but the difference is small compared with skill, settings and a steady frame rate.
If your mouse supports higher rates and your computer handles them without stutter, they're worth trying. If not, 1000 Hz is a perfectly good choice.
How the test measures polling rate
The test counts how many position updates the browser receives each second while you move the mouse. That gives the effective polling rate. Moving fast and continuously gives the most accurate result.
Polling rate on Mac and Linux
Mac and Linux handle mouse input differently from Windows. Results may be lower or vary more on some systems, even with the same mouse. That doesn't always mean the mouse is slower in games.
Browser differences
Some browsers group mouse updates together to save processing, which can lower the measured rate. If your result seems low, try another browser. Chrome and Edge often give the highest results.
Comparing mice
To compare two mice, test them on the same computer, browser and USB port. Move each one the same way. Compare both the average and the graph's consistency.
Why polling rate matters less than you'd think
The jump from 125 Hz to 1000 Hz makes a noticeable difference to how smooth a mouse feels. Above 1000 Hz, the improvements are smaller and harder to notice. For most players, a steady frame rate, a good sensor and comfortable shape matter more than very high polling rates.
Polling rate and gaming mice features
Many gaming mice combine high polling rates with other features, such as adjustable lift-off distance and onboard memory for settings. Settings saved in onboard memory stay with the mouse when you use another computer, including the polling rate.
Checking a wireless receiver
If your wireless mouse shows a low or unsteady polling rate, move the receiver closer, ideally within a short distance on your desk. Plug it into a USB port away from other wireless receivers and USB 3 devices, which can sometimes cause interference.
Signs your polling rate is too low
A low polling rate can make the cursor or in-game aim feel slightly jumpy or less responsive, especially on high refresh rate monitors. If your mouse feels less smooth than expected, run this test. If the result is around 125 Hz, check whether a higher rate is available in the mouse's software.
Common problems
Keep the mouse moving smoothly and fast. Pauses lower the reading.
Check the mouse's software or switch, and try a different USB port.
Frequently asked questions
Is a higher polling rate always better?
Higher rates make movement smoother, but use more CPU. 1000 Hz suits most players.
Does polling rate affect input lag?
Yes, slightly. At 125 Hz a new position arrives every 8 ms, at 1000 Hz every 1 ms.
Why does my mouse show 500 Hz when set to 1000 Hz?
Move it faster during the test, check the software setting and try another browser.
Does polling rate affect DPI?
No. They're separate settings.
Is 8000 Hz worth it?
Only on powerful PCs with very high refresh rate monitors, and mainly for competitive play.
Does a hub lower polling rate?
It can. Plug the mouse directly into the computer for the best result.
Does polling rate drain wireless battery?
Yes. Higher rates use more battery.
Can I test polling rate on a phone?
Not reliably. Use a computer for accurate results.
Does polling rate affect battery life on wired mice?
No. Wired mice draw power from USB, so battery isn't a concern.
Should I test with the mouse software open?
Yes, it's fine. Just make sure the polling rate setting has been saved.