Free Reaction Time Test: Measure Your Reflexes Online
Do you want to know how fast your brain reacts? Our free reaction time test measures your reflexes in milliseconds with scientific precision. In less than a minute, find out if you have F1 driver reflexes or if you need a bit of training!
Reaction time is the duration between a stimulus (visual, auditory, or tactile) and your response. It is a fundamental measure of cognitive performance that varies according to age, fatigue, training, and many other factors.
⚡ The average reaction time of an adult is about 250 milliseconds (a quarter of a second). Professional athletes can go below 200 ms!
What is reaction time?
The reaction time (or latency time) represents the interval between the perception of a stimulus and the start of the motor response. This process involves several neurological steps:
- Stimulus detection: your eyes or ears capture the information
- Brain processing: your brain analyzes and identifies the stimulus
- Decision making: your brain chooses the appropriate response
- Motor signal: the nerve impulse is sent to the muscles
- Muscle action: your muscles execute the movement
This whole process generally takes between 150 and 300 milliseconds in a healthy adult. It's incredibly fast when you think about it!
Reaction time table by category
| Time | Category | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| < 150 ms | ⚡ Exceptional | Professional athlete level |
| 150-200 ms | 🏆 Excellent | Very fast reflexes |
| 200-250 ms | 👍 Very good | Above average |
| 250-300 ms | 📊 Average | Standard reaction time |
| 300-400 ms | 🔄 To improve | Slightly slow |
| > 400 ms | 💪 To work on | Training recommended |
Who uses reaction time tests?
Gamers
Essential for competitive games (FPS, MOBA)
Drivers
Start in F1, MotoGP, NASCAR...
Athletes
Goalkeepers, boxers, tennis players...
Medical
Neurological assessment
Drivers
Road safety, senior licenses
Seniors
Cognitive monitoring, prevention
Factors influencing your reaction time
Your reaction speed can vary significantly depending on several factors:
Temporary factors
- Fatigue: lack of sleep significantly slows down reflexes
- Alcohol and drugs: proven negative effects on reaction time
- Caffeine: can slightly improve short-term performance
- Level of attention: being focused vs. distracted makes a big difference
- Stress: can speed up or slow down depending on the level
Structural factors
- Age: reflexes naturally decline after 25-30 years
- Training: athletes have faster reflexes in their field
- Physical condition: better circulation = better nerve transmission
- Genetics: some people are naturally faster
How to improve your reaction time?
Good news: reaction time can be improved with training! Here are the most effective methods:
- Regular training: practice reflex exercises daily
- Action video games: studies show they improve reflexes
- Sport: ball and combat sports are excellent
- Quality sleep: 7-9h per night for optimal performance
- Balanced diet: omega-3, antioxidants, B vitamins
- Brain training applications: targeted cognitive exercises
Frequently asked questions
The physiological minimum is about 100-120 ms for a simple visual stimulus. Below this, we talk about anticipation rather than reaction. Sprinters at the start of a 100m who react in less than 100ms are disqualified for a false start.
Yes, reaction time naturally increases with age, especially after 60 years. However, regular training can offset much of this decline. Mentally active seniors maintain better reflexes.
Yes, several scientific studies have demonstrated that action games (notably FPS) improve reaction time and visual attention. The effect is measurable after only a few weeks of regular practice.
Simple reaction involves responding to a single stimulus (click when it's green). Choice reaction requires choosing among several options (click on the right color). The choice reaction time is always longer because it requires additional cognitive processing.
⚡ Ready to test your reflexes?
5 trials, instant results, comparison with age averages.
Test my reflexes now →
