Input Diagnostic
Mouse Polling Rate
Measure your gaming mouse reporting frequency in Hz. Move your mouse in the test area to find your average and peak polling rates instantly.
Frequency Analyzer
What this is
Do you want to know how fast your mouse communicates? A mouse polling rate test measures the frequency of data transfers. Polling rate is calculated in Hertz (Hz). For example, a 1000Hz mouse reports its position to your computer 1000 times every second. This online tool analyzes those data reports. It estimates your effective mouse reporting rate in the browser in real time.
Who is this useful for?
A fast polling rate checker benefits many computer users.
- Competitive gamers: Ensure your gaming mouse hz checker reaches its advertised speeds.
- Esports professionals: Minimize polling intervals for faster reaction times in shooters.
- Tech reviewers: Validate manufacturer claims before publishing a hardware review.
- Graphic designers: Check pointer smoothness for high refresh rate monitors.
- Second-hand buyers: Confirm the hardware sensor works properly on used devices.
Real examples
Here are practical reasons to measure mouse frequency.
- Verify if your new 4000Hz gaming mouse works correctly.
- Check if a wireless receiver drops the connection randomly.
- Compare wired mode versus wireless mode performance.
- Diagnose why your cursor feels stuttery on a 144Hz monitor.
- Confirm battery saver mode lowers your polling rate to 125Hz.
- Test different USB ports to find the fastest connection.
- Measure your cheap office mouse speed against a premium one.
- Verify third-party driver software changes.
- Check if your USB hub limits data transfer speeds.
- Ensure background apps do not interrupt your input signals.
How the web tool works
This tool captures movement events directly from your browser. When you move your cursor across the testing pad, the browser fires input signals. The tool uses a high-resolution performance timer. It counts exactly how many signals arrive within a specific time window. It calculates the live rate using a rapid 200ms tracking buffer. It also tracks your highest peak to find the effective ceiling.
Understanding the numbers
Standard office mice usually operate at 125Hz. This means an 8ms polling interval. Most modern gaming mice default to 1000Hz. This provides a fast 1ms polling interval. Some premium mice now offer 4000Hz or even 8000Hz. You must move the mouse continuously and quickly to reach high numbers. Slow movements will naturally report lower numbers.
Safety
Testing your hardware is completely safe.
- You cannot break your mouse by moving it quickly.
- Ensure you have a clean mousepad for accurate tracking.
- Be careful not to hit your keyboard while swiping rapidly.
- High polling rates (like 8000Hz) use more CPU power.
- Turn off battery saver mode on wireless mice for accurate tests.
- Close heavy background tasks to prevent browser stuttering.
Accuracy & limits
This test is highly accurate but operates within browser limits.
- Web browsers generally track rates up to 1000Hz reliably.
- Rates above 4000Hz might show slight fluctuations due to browser rendering limits.
- Your monitor refresh rate does not change the internal polling speed.
- Wireless interference can cause brief drops in the average rate.
- Dirty optical sensors might skip reports during fast swipes.
- Some operating systems group rapid inputs, causing minor visual jitter.
Trust & Privacy
This tool runs locally in your browser. Input data isn't uploaded or stored anywhere. It does not track your personal cursor movements outside the test area.
See also: Mouse Double Click Test
Mini FAQ
Why is my polling rate lower than advertised?
You must move the mouse constantly and quickly. If you move it slowly, the mouse sends fewer updates to save power. Also, check your manufacturer software to ensure the highest setting is active.
Does a higher Hz make me a better gamer?
A jump from 125Hz to 1000Hz is a massive, noticeable improvement. However, jumps from 1000Hz to 4000Hz are very subtle and require a high refresh rate monitor to feel.
Is 125Hz bad for daily use?
Not at all. For general web browsing and office tasks, 125Hz is perfectly fine and saves battery life on wireless models.