FPS vs Refresh Rate: What's the Difference and Why It Matters

FPS and refresh rate are often confused, but they come from two different places. FPS (frames per second) is how many images your graphics card produces. Refresh rate (Hz) is how many times per second your monitor can redraw the screen. You only get the benefit when both are high.

Frame time: the number that really matters

Frame time is how long each frame takes: 1000 ÷ FPS. At 60 FPS that's 16.7 ms, at 144 FPS 6.9 ms, at 240 FPS 4.2 ms. A steady frame time feels smooth; spikes feel like stutter even when the average FPS looks fine. Try the FPS and frame time calculator.

What happens when they don't match

• FPS below refresh rate: the monitor shows some frames twice, and motion looks less smooth.
• FPS above refresh rate: the monitor can't show the extra frames, but input can feel slightly snappier; you may see tearing without sync.
• With G-Sync or FreeSync: the monitor adapts to your FPS. A common tip is to cap FPS a few frames below the refresh rate.

Do you need 144Hz or 240Hz?

For fast shooters, going from 60Hz to 144Hz is a big, obvious upgrade. 144Hz to 240Hz is smaller but noticeable for competitive players. Many gaming cafés now have high-refresh setups, which is a cheap way to feel the difference before you buy.