FPS vs Refresh Rate
FPS and refresh rate are related, but they are not the same metric. Understanding the difference helps you troubleshoot smoothness, input feel, and display expectations more accurately.
What Is FPS?
FPS (frames per second) describes how many frames your software renders each second. Higher FPS can reduce perceived stutter and make motion feel smoother, as long as your display can present those frames effectively.
What Is Refresh Rate?
Refresh rate (Hz) is your screen’s update frequency. A 60Hz display refreshes up to 60 times per second, while 120Hz refreshes up to 120 times per second.
How FPS and Hz Work Together
- If FPS is lower than Hz, motion can appear less smooth because fewer frames are produced.
- If FPS matches Hz, frame delivery often feels consistent in many scenarios.
- If FPS exceeds Hz, the display cannot show every rendered frame at once.
Common Confusion: Why Results Differ
Browser measurements can vary due to tab throttling, battery saver mode, background tasks, external monitor settings, and variable refresh rate behavior. Use online tests as practical estimates rather than lab-grade diagnostics.
FPS vs Refresh Rate FAQ
What is the difference between FPS and refresh rate?
FPS is how many frames your app or game renders each second. Refresh rate (Hz) is how many times your display can update each second.
Can FPS be higher than refresh rate?
Yes. A GPU can render more frames than the display can show. In that case, extra frames are not fully visible on screen at once.
Why does 60Hz feel less smooth than 120Hz?
A 120Hz display updates twice as often as 60Hz, so motion can look smoother and input response can feel faster in supported content.
Does browser FPS equal in-game FPS?
No. Browser FPS tools measure page rendering behavior, not full game-engine performance or GPU benchmark results.
How can I test both FPS and refresh rate online?
Use separate browser tools: an FPS page for frame rendering behavior and a screen Hz page for display update estimation.