What is my mouse polling rate?

What is mouse polling rate?

Polling rate is how often the mouse tells the computer where it moved, measured in reports per second, or Hz. At 1000 Hz the computer gets a fresh report every millisecond. At 125 Hz, the old USB default, it waits 8 milliseconds between reports.

Polling rate and DPI are separate. DPI decides how many counts one inch of movement produces. Polling rate decides how often those counts are delivered. To check the first one, use the DPI analyzer.

How does this polling rate test work?

Every report from the mouse becomes one event in the browser, with a timestamp. The test divides the number of reports by the time you were moving. It leaves out pauses longer than 40 ms, because a mouse that is standing still sends nothing.

Chrome and Edge pass on every single report, so they can measure 2000 Hz and up. Other browsers bundle reports per screen frame; the test unpacks them where the browser allows it. The note under the test says which case applies to you.

Standard polling rates

Why does my result read lower than my setting?

The mouse only reports when it moves, and it only fills every report slot when it moves fast enough. Slow, careful movement leaves slots empty and reads low. Move in quick, steady circles for two or three seconds.

Other reasons for a low reading: a USB hub or a front panel port, a wireless mouse with a low battery or a distant receiver, and a power saving mode in the mouse software. Plug the receiver or cable straight into the computer and test again.

Is a higher polling rate better?

Up to 1000 Hz, yes for most players. Movement looks smoother on a high refresh monitor, and each report is a little fresher. Above 1000 Hz the gains get small, and some older or slower computers drop frames from the extra load. If your game stutters at 4000 or 8000 Hz, step back to 1000 Hz.