Polling Rate Test
Move your mouse fast in circles inside the box. We count how many position reports it sends each second.
Best tested with a mouse on desktop.
Live reading
- 125 Hz
- 250 Hz
- 500 Hz
- 1K Hz
- 2K Hz
- 4K Hz
- 8K Hz
On this page6 sections ▾
The Polling Rate Test measures how many times per second your mouse sends its position to your computer, shown in hertz (Hz). Move your mouse quickly in circles inside the test area for a few seconds. You’ll see your current, average and peak rate, plus the standard setting your mouse is most likely using.
What Is Mouse Polling Rate?
Polling rate is how often your mouse reports its position to your computer each second. It’s measured in hertz (Hz). A 1000 Hz mouse sends its position 1,000 times per second, so your computer hears about every movement 1 millisecond after it happens.
A higher polling rate means a shorter delay between moving your mouse and the pointer responding:
| Polling rate | Reports per second | Time between reports |
|---|---|---|
| 125 Hz | 125 | 8 ms |
| 250 Hz | 250 | 4 ms |
| 500 Hz | 500 | 2 ms |
| 1000 Hz | 1,000 | 1 ms |
| 4000 Hz | 4,000 | 0.25 ms |
| 8000 Hz | 8,000 | 0.125 ms |
The jump from 125 Hz to 1000 Hz is easy to feel, especially in fast games. Above 1000 Hz, the gains get much smaller.
How to Test Your Polling Rate
- Step 1: Close heavy apps and extra tabs. A busy computer can make your result read lower.
- Step 2: Connect your mouse properly. Use a cable, or keep the wireless receiver close to the mouse.
- Step 3: Move your pointer into the test area. The test starts as soon as it detects movement.
- Step 4: Move in fast, smooth circles for 3–5 seconds. Constant movement gives the most accurate reading. Slow or stopping movement lowers it.
- Step 5: Read your results. Your peak rate and the “likely setting” show what your mouse is actually set to.
- Step 6: Press Reset and repeat. Run the test two or three times and compare. Your highest steady result is the most reliable.
Which Polling Rate Should You Use?
The right polling rate depends on how you use your mouse:
| Use | Recommended rate | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Office work and browsing | 125–500 Hz | Smooth enough for everyday tasks, and easier on a wireless mouse’s battery. |
| Casual gaming | 500–1000 Hz | Responsive aiming without extra load on your computer. |
| Competitive gaming and PvP | 1000 Hz | The standard for gaming mice. Fast and stable in almost every game. |
| High-end esports setups | 2000–8000 Hz | Slightly smoother tracking on high-refresh monitors (240 Hz and up), but only with a powerful computer. |
Keep in mind: higher polling rates make your computer work harder. On older or slower PCs, 4000–8000 Hz can cause stutter in some games, and on wireless mice they drain the battery faster. If you notice either problem, drop back to 1000 Hz.
Why Your Result Might Read Lower
If your result is lower than your mouse’s advertised rate, one of these is usually the reason:
- Your browser limits mouse updates. To save power, browsers bundle mouse movements together, often to match your screen’s refresh rate. Our test counts these bundled reports where your browser allows it, but some browsers still read high-end mice lower. Try another browser to compare.
- You moved too slowly. Your mouse only sends reports while it’s moving. Keep moving fast and steadily.
- Bluetooth is limiting it. Bluetooth connections usually run at a much lower rate than a wired cable or the mouse’s own wireless receiver.
- Your battery is low or power saving is on. Some wireless mice lower their rate to save power.
- Your mouse software is set lower. Check which rate is selected there.
How to Change Your Polling Rate
Most gaming mice let you change the polling rate in a few clicks:
- Step 1: Open your mouse’s software. For example, Logitech G HUB, Razer Synapse, SteelSeries GG or Corsair iCUE.
- Step 2: Find the performance or polling rate setting. It’s usually listed with your DPI options.
- Step 3: Pick a rate and save it. Some mice store it directly on the mouse.
- Step 4: Run this test again to confirm the new rate is working.
Some mice have a small button or switch underneath for changing the rate instead. Basic office mice are often fixed at 125 Hz and can’t be changed.
Polling Rate Test FAQ
What is a good polling rate for gaming?
1000 Hz is the standard for gaming and works well in almost every game. Higher rates like 4000 Hz help a little on high-refresh monitors, but only with a powerful computer.
Is 1000 Hz better than 500 Hz?
Yes. At 1000 Hz your mouse reports every 1 ms instead of every 2 ms, so tracking feels slightly smoother and more responsive. Most players notice the difference in fast games.
Does a higher polling rate increase input lag?
No. A higher rate shortens the delay between moving your mouse and your computer seeing it. But if your computer can’t keep up with very high rates, stutter can feel like lag.
Why does my 8000 Hz mouse show a lower number?
Browsers often bundle mouse updates, so very high rates can read lower here. Make sure the 8000 Hz setting is selected in your mouse software, move quickly, and try another browser.