Mouse Polling Rate Test (Pointer Event Frequency)
Polling rate is how often your mouse reports its position to the computer. This tool estimates how many move events per second your browser receives while you move the mouse, which gives a useful lower bound for your polling rate.
How to use the Pointer Event Frequency
- Move the mouse continuously inside the test area for a few seconds.
- Use quick circular movements so the mouse reports as often as possible.
- Read the events-per-second estimate over the last five seconds.
- Repeat in another browser to compare.
Understanding your results
Browsers can combine or limit move events, so the number you see may be lower than your hardware polling rate. A reading near 1000 on a 1000 Hz mouse is a good sign; a lower reading does not prove a fault.
The tool cannot certify hardware polling rate. Polling rate is also separate from DPI, as explained in polling rate vs DPI.
Polling rate and the time between reports
Polling rate is how many times per second the mouse reports to the computer. The time between reports is 1000 ÷ the rate in Hz, so higher rates mean shorter gaps:
| Polling rate | Time between reports |
|---|---|
| 125 Hz | 8 ms |
| 500 Hz | 2 ms |
| 1000 Hz | 1 ms |
| 2000 Hz | 0.5 ms |
| 4000 Hz | 0.25 ms |
| 8000 Hz | 0.125 ms |
If the tool shows about 950 events per second on a mouse rated at 1000 Hz, that is a healthy result. Browsers may merge some move events, so a lower reading is not proof of a fault.
Getting a better reading
- Move quickly in circles. The mouse only reports movement, so slow or small motions produce fewer events.
- Close heavy tabs and programs. A busy system can delay or merge events.
- Test more than one browser. Browsers handle pointer events differently, so use the highest consistent reading.
- Check power settings. Laptop power saving, a USB hub or a weak wireless connection can reduce the rate.
- Confirm the real setting in software. Many gaming mice let you pick the polling rate in the manufacturer's tool. This page can only estimate what your browser receives.
A higher polling rate does not change how far the cursor moves. That is the job of DPI, explained in polling rate vs DPI. To check your DPI, see the Windows guide or the Mac guide.
Pointer Event Frequency FAQ
Why is my result below my mouse's rated polling rate?
Browsers coalesce events and your system load matters. Treat the result as a lower bound.
Is polling rate the same as DPI?
No. See polling rate vs DPI.
Which browser gives the best reading?
It varies. Test a couple of browsers and use the highest consistent reading.