Windows Settings or your monitor’s menu – you can check monitor frame rate in these two main spots. I’ll show you the exact steps to find this number, which tells you how smooth your screen looks.
This number is called refresh rate. A higher number means less blur when things move fast on screen. It’s a key setting for gaming and watching videos.
I’ve tested dozens of monitors over the years. The method to find this setting is almost always the same.
This guide will walk you through every way to check monitor frame rate. You’ll know your screen’s true speed in minutes.
What is Monitor Frame Rate and Why It Matters
Let’s start with the basics. Frame rate is how many pictures your monitor shows each second.
It’s measured in Hertz, or Hz for short. A 60Hz screen shows 60 new images every single second.
Why should you care about this number? A higher refresh rate makes everything feel smoother. Games look better and your mouse cursor glides across the screen.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many people use computers for work. A good screen can help reduce eye strain.
You need to know how to check monitor frame rate to see what you’re working with. Your computer might be set lower than your screen can handle.
I’ve seen many gaming monitors running at 60Hz when they can do 144Hz. That’s a huge waste of smoothness.
The Easiest Way to Check Monitor Frame Rate in Windows
Windows has a built-in spot for this. It’s the first place I go when I want to check monitor frame rate.
Right-click on your desktop. Click “Display settings” from the menu that pops up.
Scroll down and click “Advanced display settings.” You’ll see your current refresh rate listed right there.
If you have more than one monitor, pick the one you want to check first. The setting changes for each screen separately.
This method works on Windows 10 and Windows 11. The steps are almost identical between both versions.
Sometimes Windows doesn’t show the highest option. You might need to dig a little deeper, which I’ll cover next.
When you check monitor frame rate here, you’re seeing what Windows is currently using. It might not be the max your screen can do.
Using Your Monitor’s On-Screen Display Menu
Every monitor has physical buttons. These buttons open a menu right on your screen.
Press the menu button (usually on the bottom or back). Look for an “Information” section in the menu.
This info page shows the current input signal. Your refresh rate should be listed here in real time.
This method shows what your monitor is actually receiving from your computer. It’s a great way to double-check the Windows setting.
I use this method when I think Windows might be lying to me. It happens more than you’d think with older monitors.
The exact button changes for each brand. Look for a button with a menu icon or just press them all until something pops up.
When you check monitor frame rate this way, you see the truth. No software can override what the monitor itself reports.
How to Check Monitor Frame Rate in NVIDIA Control Panel
Got an NVIDIA graphics card? You have another good option. The NVIDIA Control Panel gives detailed display info.
Right-click on your desktop again. This time, select “NVIDIA Control Panel” from the menu.
Click “Change resolution” on the left side. Your current refresh rate appears in a drop-down menu on the right.
You can pick a new rate from this same menu. Just select a higher number and click “Apply” to test it.
This panel often shows more options than Windows does. I’ve found 120Hz and 144Hz settings here that Windows hid.
If your screen goes black after changing, wait 15 seconds. It will revert back if the new setting doesn’t work.
Learning how to check monitor frame rate here is useful for gamers. You can make game-specific settings in this same control panel.
How to Check Monitor Frame Rate in AMD Radeon Software
AMD users have their own tool. It’s called AMD Radeon Software, and it works similarly.
Right-click on your desktop and choose “AMD Radeon Software.” Click the gear icon for settings once it opens.
Go to the “Display” tab. You’ll see your current refresh rate listed clearly.
You can create custom resolutions and refresh rates here too. AMD calls them “Custom Resolutions” in the settings.
I prefer AMD’s software layout for checking this stuff. Everything is on one screen instead of buried in menus.
Like NVIDIA’s tool, this shows what your graphics card is sending to the monitor. It’s another layer of confirmation.
When you check monitor frame rate in AMD software, look for the “FreeSync” option too. This can make games even smoother if your screen supports it.
Using Online Tools to Test Your Refresh Rate
Don’t want to dig through settings? Try a website instead. Several sites can test your refresh rate for you.
Go to a site like TestUFO. It shows moving animations and tells you your detected frame rate.
These tools work by measuring how smoothly animations play. They’re great for a quick check without opening settings.
I use these when helping friends over the phone. I just tell them to open a website instead of guiding them through menus.
The results might not match your settings exactly. Browsers and websites have their own limitations.
Still, it’s a good way to check monitor frame rate visually. You can actually see the difference between 60Hz and 144Hz.
Bookmark a test site for future use. It’s handy when you change cables or get a new monitor.
Checking Frame Rate on a Mac Computer
Mac users have a different process. Apple hides display settings in a different spot.
Click the Apple menu and choose “System Settings.” Click “Displays” in the sidebar.
Hold down the Option key and click “Scaled” on your display. A list of refresh rates will appear.
The current rate has a checkmark next to it. Pick a new one if you want to change it.
According to Apple’s support site, some Macs automatically pick the best rate. You might not see options to change it.
External monitors on Macs work the same way. The settings change based on which screen is selected.
When you check monitor frame rate on a Mac, remember the Option key trick. It unlocks the hidden refresh rate options.
How to Check Monitor Frame Rate on a Laptop
Laptop screens work a bit differently. Many laptops have lower refresh rates to save battery.
Use the same Windows method I mentioned earlier. Right-click desktop, Display settings, Advanced display settings.
Some gaming laptops have high refresh rate screens. You might see 120Hz, 144Hz, or even 240Hz options.
Your laptop might switch rates based on power source. On battery, it might drop to 60Hz to save power.
Check your laptop maker’s software too. Brands like ASUS, MSI, and Alienware have control panels for this.
I always check monitor frame rate on both battery and wall power. You might be surprised how different they are.
If you connect an external monitor to your laptop, check that screen separately. can have a completely different refresh rate.
Common Problems When Checking Refresh Rate
Sometimes the number you expect isn’t there. Don’t worry – this happens to everyone.
Your cable might be the problem. Old HDMI cables can’t handle high refresh rates at certain resolutions.
Try a DisplayPort cable instead. DisplayPort usually supports higher rates than HDMI, especially on older versions.
Your graphics card might be too old. It needs to support the refresh rate you want to use.
Check your monitor’s manual too. Some ports on the same monitor support different maximum rates.
I’ve spent hours trying to get 144Hz to work. The fix was usually switching to a different cable or port.
When you check monitor frame rate and see fewer options than expected, start with the cable. It’s the most common fix.
Why Your Monitor Might Not Show the Right Frame Rate
Here’s a frustrating situation. Your settings say 144Hz, but everything looks like 60Hz.
Some games override your Windows setting. They lock to 60Hz or 30Hz for “compatibility.”
Check the game’s video settings. Look for a “refresh rate” or “display mode” option.
Fullscreen mode often fixes this. Windowed mode sometimes uses the Windows desktop rate instead.
Vsync can cause problems too. Try turning it off in games if things feel choppy.
I test with the UFO test site I mentioned earlier. It shows the real rate your browser is using.
Learning how to check monitor frame rate in different apps is key. Each program can behave differently.
How to Change Your Monitor’s Frame Rate
Found a higher rate in your settings? Changing it is easy and reversible.
In Windows display settings, click the refresh rate drop-down. Pick a higher number and click “Apply.”
Your screen will flash black for a second. A confirmation dialog will appear – click “Keep changes.”
If the new rate doesn’t work, your screen stays black. It automatically reverts after 15 seconds.
Write down your old rate before changing. That way you can go back if something goes wrong.
I always test new rates with a fast-moving game or video. You want to see if the smoothness improvement is worth it.
When you check monitor frame rate after changing, use multiple methods. Make sure Windows, your graphics software, and your monitor all agree.
Tools That Help You Monitor Frame Rate in Games
Want to see your frame rate while gaming? Several tools overlay this info on your screen.
Steam has a built-in overlay. Enable it in Steam settings under “In-Game.”
NVIDIA GeForce Experience shows FPS too. Press Alt+Z to open the overlay and turn on the performance display.
AMD has a similar feature in Radeon Software. It’s called “Performance Metrics” in the overlay settings.
These tools show both your game’s FPS and your monitor’s refresh rate. They help you see if they match.
I keep an FPS counter on in every game. It helps me spot performance problems right away.
When you check monitor frame rate with these tools, you see real-time data. It updates every second as you play.
Understanding the Difference Between Hz and FPS
This confuses many people. Hz and FPS are related but different things.
Hz is your monitor’s maximum speed. It’s a hardware limit – the screen can’t show more frames than its Hz number.
FPS is how many frames your game or computer is creating. Your graphics card controls this number.
If your game runs at 200 FPS on a 60Hz monitor, you only see 60 of those frames. The rest get thrown away.
According to research from National Institutes of Health, smooth visual motion can reduce eye strain. Matching FPS to Hz helps with this.
I aim for my FPS to match my monitor’s Hz. This gives the smoothest experience with no screen tearing.
When you check monitor frame rate (Hz), remember it’s a ceiling. Your game’s FPS can go higher, but you won’t see the extra frames.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I check monitor frame rate in Windows 11?
Right-click your desktop and pick “Display settings.” Scroll to “Advanced display” and look for “Refresh rate.” The number shown is your current frame rate.
Can I check monitor frame rate without opening settings?
Yes, use a website like TestUFO.com. It shows animations and detects your refresh rate automatically. This gives you a visual check without menus.
Why is my monitor stuck at 60Hz?
Check your cable first. Older HDMI cables only support 60Hz at high resolutions. Try a DisplayPort cable or check your monitor’s manual for which port supports higher rates.
How do I check monitor frame rate on a dual monitor setup?
Check each monitor separately. In Windows display settings, click on the monitor number you want to check. The refresh rate setting changes for whichever monitor is selected.
Does frame rate affect eye strain?
Yes, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, smoother motion can be easier on your eyes. Higher refresh rates reduce flicker that some people notice at 60Hz.
How do I check monitor frame rate on a console like PS5?
Consoles show this in their display settings. On PS5, go to Settings, Screen and Video, Video Output. Your current rate appears under “Refresh Rate.” Your TV must support the rate too.
Conclusion
Now you know how to check monitor frame rate on any device. The process is simple once you know where to look.
Start with Windows or your system settings. Then verify with your monitor’s own menu or a test website.
I check my monitor frame rate every time I set up a new screen. It ensures I’m getting the smooth experience I paid for.
Try checking yours right now. You might discover your monitor can run faster than you thought.