What is APM?
APM (actions per minute) counts every input you make: mouse clicks, hotkeys and key presses. It’s the classic speed stat in real-time strategy (RTS) games like StarCraft and Age of Empires, and in MOBAs, where fast hands let you control more units and react sooner.
This test measures your raw APM: how many actions your hands can physically produce. Use both hands. Click with the mouse and drum keys with the other hand.
How to take the APM test
- Pick a length: 30 seconds, 1 minute or 2 minutes.
- Click the pad or press any key to start.
- Mix clicks and key presses as fast as you can until time runs out.
- Your result is APM = actions ÷ minutes.
APM benchmarks (raw, 1 minute)
| APM | Level |
|---|---|
| Under 200 | Relaxed |
| 200–300 | Average |
| 300–450 | Fast |
| 450–600 | Very fast |
| 600+ | Exceptional two-handed speed |
Raw APM vs. in-game APM
In a real game, APM includes thinking, scrolling the camera and waiting, so the numbers are much lower. Around 60–100 is typical for casual players, and top professionals often play at 200–300+. A high raw APM shows your hands have room to spare. Spending those actions well is the real skill.
How to raise your APM
- Use both hands. Your keyboard hand can add as many actions as your mouse hand.
- Learn hotkeys in your game instead of clicking menus.
- Build rhythm. Constant, steady input beats bursts followed by pauses.
- Warm up before matches with a 30-second run.
For mouse-only speed, try the CPM test or the CPS test.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good APM?
In this raw test, 300–400 APM is typical for fast clicking and typing. In actual RTS games, around 60–100 is casual and pros can play at 200–300+, but in-game APM includes thinking time.
Do mouse clicks and key presses both count?
Yes. Any mouse button click on the pad and any key press (except Shift, Ctrl, Alt, Tab and Escape) counts as one action.
What's the difference between APM and CPM?
CPM counts mouse clicks only. APM counts every action: clicks and key presses together.
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