Refresh Rate Calculator
Convert refresh rate to frame time.
Results update as you type.
How it works
A display's refresh rate determines how smooth and responsive motion looks, and this calculator converts it into frame time. You enter the refresh rate in hertz (Hz), and it returns the frame time in milliseconds and the maximum frames per second the display can show. The frame time is simply 1000 milliseconds divided by the refresh rate, because the refresh rate is how many times per second the screen redraws. A 60 Hz display shows each frame for about 16.7 ms, a 144 Hz gaming monitor for about 6.9 ms, and a 240 Hz display for about 4.2 ms. Lower frame time means the image updates more frequently, producing smoother motion and less input lag, which is why gamers and anyone sensitive to motion prefer high refresh rates. The refresh rate also caps the frames per second you can actually see — a game rendering 200 fps on a 60 Hz monitor still only displays 60 distinct frames per second, though technologies like variable refresh rate (G-Sync, FreeSync) sync the display to the GPU's output to reduce tearing. Frame time is a useful way to think about performance because it directly reflects responsiveness and reveals stutter better than average fps. This calculator helps you understand your display's timing. Enter the refresh rate to find the frame time.
Frame time (ms) = 1000 ÷ refresh rate (Hz)
Refresh rate in hertz is how many times per second a display updates. Dividing 1000 milliseconds by the refresh rate gives the time each frame is shown, so a higher refresh rate means a shorter frame time and smoother, more responsive motion.
Source:Display timing
We review all our tools from time to time to ensure accuracy.
Worked example
How to use this calculator
- 1
Enter your values
Enter refresh rate.
- 2
Adjust the options
Fine-tune any options to match your situation.
- 3
Read your result
Frame time updates instantly as you type — no button to press.
Frequently asked questions
How do you convert refresh rate to frame time?
Divide 1000 milliseconds by the refresh rate in hertz. A 60 Hz display gives about 16.7 ms per frame, 144 Hz about 6.9 ms, and 240 Hz about 4.2 ms. Frame time is how long each frame is shown, and a shorter frame time from a higher refresh rate means smoother, more responsive motion.
What refresh rate is best?
It depends on use. 60 Hz is fine for general computing and video, while 120, 144, or 240 Hz noticeably improves smoothness and responsiveness for fast-paced gaming and quick motion. Higher refresh rates require a GPU capable of driving high frame rates to benefit fully. For most desktop work, 60 to 75 Hz is adequate; gamers favor 144 Hz or more.
Does refresh rate cap my frame rate?
Yes, the display can only show as many distinct frames per second as its refresh rate. A game rendering 200 fps on a 60 Hz monitor still displays only 60 unique frames per second, wasting the extra frames. To see more frames, you need a higher-refresh-rate display along with a GPU fast enough to render at that rate.
Why is frame time a useful metric?
Frame time directly reflects how long each frame takes and thus responsiveness, and it reveals stutter that average fps can hide. Consistent low frame times feel smooth, while occasional long frame times cause noticeable hitches even if the average fps looks high. Developers and enthusiasts watch frame time graphs to diagnose smoothness problems that fps averages obscure.
What are G-Sync and FreeSync?
G-Sync (NVIDIA) and FreeSync (AMD) are variable refresh rate technologies that synchronize the display's refresh to the GPU's frame output in real time. This eliminates screen tearing and reduces stutter when the frame rate fluctuates, giving smoother motion without the input lag of traditional V-Sync. They work within a supported refresh-rate range on compatible monitors and graphics cards.