FPS vs Refresh Rate
FPS and Hz are related, but they are not the same thing. This guide explains both in simple words.
What is FPS?
FPS means frames per second. It describes how many frames your device can render every second. Higher FPS usually makes games and animations feel smoother, especially when the frame time is stable.
What is refresh rate?
Refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz). It describes how many times your monitor can update its image each second. A 60Hz screen updates 60 times per second, while a 144Hz screen updates 144 times per second.
How they work together
Your monitor sets the visible ceiling. If you have a 60Hz monitor, you cannot visually see 144 unique updates per second. However, higher rendered FPS can still sometimes reduce input latency. For the best experience, use a high refresh monitor and stable FPS close to or above that refresh rate.
| Metric | Meaning | Best tool |
|---|---|---|
| FPS | Frames rendered per second | FPS Test |
| Hz | Screen updates per second | Refresh Rate Test |
| Frame time | Milliseconds each frame takes | FPS Test |