FPS, or frames per second, is how many separate images your screen draws each second. Higher and steadier means smoother motion. To test it, open an FPS meter and watch the live count. The free FPS test counts each frame your browser draws and shows your current rate, a moving graph, and your minimum and average.
That is the core idea. Where people get confused is the difference between FPS and refresh rate, so let us settle that.
FPS versus refresh rate
These two numbers are related but not the same. Refresh rate is how often your screen can redraw, fixed by the hardware and measured in hertz. FPS is how many frames are actually produced and shown, which can be lower if the computer is struggling.
A 144Hz screen can refresh 144 times a second, but if your machine only manages 90 frames, your real FPS is 90. The screen is ready for more than it is being fed. In a browser the two converge, because the browser will not draw faster than the screen refreshes, so a smooth result here matches your screen rate. To check the screen side, use the refresh rate test.
How to test your FPS
Step 1: Let the meter settle
Open the FPS test and leave it for a few seconds. The current FPS, the graph and the average all need a moment to stabilise.
Step 2: Read the graph
The live graph shows the last few seconds. A flat line near your screen rate is smooth. Sharp dips are dropped frames, where the computer missed its deadline for that frame.
Step 3: Put it under load
Scroll the page, open a heavy site in another tab, or run something demanding, and watch the FPS react. This shows how your machine copes when it is busy, which is closer to real use than an idle reading.
Why your frame rate drops
- A heavy background tab. Video, animations or a busy web app in another tab steals frames. Close it and watch FPS recover.
- A loaded processor. Updates, backups or sync tools running in the background compete for the same resources.
- An older or warm machine. Aging hardware, or a laptop throttling because it is hot, cannot finish frames as quickly.
Reading a good result
Do not chase a single high number. What matters is a rate that holds steady near your screen refresh rate without frequent dips. A reading of 60 that never wavers feels far smoother than one that swings between 90 and 40. Watch the minimum and average together for the truest picture.
Once you understand your frame rate, the refresh rate test confirms what your screen is capable of, and the screen resolution tool rounds out the picture of your display.