How to use: Mouse Polling Rate Test
Close heavy background work and keep this tab visible.
Start the five-second sample and move the mouse continuously in smooth circles.
Repeat twice, compare the median and stability, then test another browser if the result is unexpected.
What the result actually measures
The test timestamps pointer movement events inside a focused area, then calculates sample rate and interval distribution. Median and percentile information helps separate a stable stream from a misleading peak.
Measurement boundary: Browsers can coalesce events; the operating system, display refresh, power mode and main-thread load influence delivery. A result below the mouse setting does not automatically mean the hardware is faulty.
How to interpret the output
Stable distribution
A narrow interval distribution is often more informative than one maximum reading.
Rate below configured value
Browser delivery, refresh timing, power saving, USB connection or movement speed can reduce the observed rate.
Large spikes
Pauses can come from stopping movement, tab scheduling or main-thread work. Repeat before treating them as device drops.
Troubleshooting unexpected results
Result is capped near display refresh
Try another current browser and faster continuous movement. Some environments align or coalesce pointer events.
Laptop result changes on battery
Power-saving modes can affect CPU scheduling and USB behavior. Compare while connected to power.
Frequently asked questions
Can a browser test 4000 Hz or 8000 Hz accurately?
It can observe delivered events, but high hardware rates are especially likely to be coalesced or limited by the software path.
Why show median instead of only average?
Median is less distorted by a few long pauses and helps describe the typical delivered interval.
Should I switch to the highest polling rate?
Not automatically. Higher settings can use more CPU/power and the practical benefit depends on the complete system.