What is polling rate?
Your mouse doesn’t send its position continuously. It sends reports at a fixed rate. Polling rate is how many reports it sends each second:
| Polling rate | Time between reports | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| 125 Hz | 8 ms | Basic office mice |
| 250 Hz | 4 ms | Older and budget mice |
| 500 Hz | 2 ms | Many wireless and mid-range mice |
| 1000 Hz | 1 ms | Standard for gaming mice |
| 2000–8000 Hz | 0.5–0.125 ms | High-end gaming mice |
A higher rate means smoother cursor movement and slightly lower input delay.
How to get an accurate reading
- Use Chrome or Edge. They expose raw pointer updates, which report every hardware sample.
- Move the mouse fast, in continuous circles, inside the box for 5+ seconds.
- Look at Average and Likely setting. “Current” jumps around from moment to moment.
The “Likely setting” rounds your typical reading to the nearest standard rate.
Why your reading might be low
- You’re moving slowly. Many mice only send reports when the sensor sees movement.
- Browser limits. Firefox and Safari group events, which can cap readings well below the real rate.
- Wireless or Bluetooth. Bluetooth mice often run at 125–133 Hz regardless of the setting.
- USB hubs and front-panel ports. Plug gaming mice straight into a rear port.
- Power saving. Some wireless mice lower the rate on battery-saving modes.
Changing your polling rate
Polling rate is usually set in the mouse’s software, or by a button on the underside. After changing it, run the test again to confirm the new setting took effect.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the test show less than my mouse's setting?
The browser may group (coalesce) events, the mouse only sends reports while it moves, and slow movement produces fewer reports. Move fast and in circles, and use Chrome or Edge for the most accurate reading.
Is a higher polling rate always better?
Up to a point. 1000 Hz is a good standard for gaming. 4000–8000 Hz can feel smoother on high refresh rate monitors but uses more CPU and battery, and some games handle it badly.
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