Use this Refresh Rate Converter to convert display refresh rates between Hertz (Hz) and frames per second (FPS). Whether you’re checking a 60 Hz phone screen, a 90 Hz display, a 120 Hz gaming monitor, or a 144 Hz screen, this tool helps you understand the equivalent values and the time between refreshes.
Conversion Result
At 60 Hz, a display refreshes about 60 times per second. This does not guarantee that a game or app renders 60 frames per second.
What Is a Refresh Rate?
Refresh rate is the number of times a display updates its image every second. It is measured in Hertz (Hz). For example, a 60 Hz phone screen refreshes 60 times per second, while a 120 Hz screen refreshes 120 times per second.
A higher refresh rate can make scrolling, animations, and supported games look smoother. However, the actual experience also depends on the device, app, graphics performance, and content being displayed.
How to Use the Refresh Rate Converter
Using this calculator is simple:
- Choose the conversion type, such as Hz to FPS equivalent or FPS to Hz equivalent.
- Enter your value or select one of the common presets.
- Check the result to see the equivalent rate and the time between refreshes.
- Use the Clear button to start again or Reload Defaults to restore the default settings.
Refresh Rate Conversion Examples
Here are some common refresh rates and their approximate refresh intervals.
| Refresh Rate | Time per Refresh |
|---|---|
| 30 Hz | 33.33 milliseconds |
| 60 Hz | 16.67 milliseconds |
| 90 Hz | 11.11 milliseconds |
| 120 Hz | 8.33 milliseconds |
| 144 Hz | 6.94 milliseconds |
| 165 Hz | 6.06 milliseconds |
| 240 Hz | 4.17 milliseconds |
For example, a 120 Hz display refreshes 120 times per second. Its refresh interval is approximately 8.33 milliseconds, compared with 16.67 milliseconds for a 60 Hz display.
How to Calculate Refresh Rate
You can calculate the time between refreshes using this formula:
Refresh interval (milliseconds) = 1,000 ÷ Refresh rate (Hz)
For example, for a 144 Hz monitor:
1,000 ÷ 144 = 6.94 milliseconds per refresh.
To convert a refresh interval back to Hz, divide 1,000 by the interval in milliseconds.
Why Does Refresh Rate Matter?
Refresh rate can affect how smooth a screen looks when scrolling through websites, navigating phone menus, watching supported animations, or playing games. Higher refresh rates provide more frequent display updates, which can improve motion clarity and responsiveness in suitable conditions.
Keep in mind that refresh rate and frames per second (FPS) are not exactly the same thing. Refresh rate describes how often a screen can update, while FPS describes how many frames a device or application renders each second. A 120 Hz display does not automatically mean every game runs at 120 FPS.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 120 Hz better than 60 Hz?
A 120 Hz screen can look smoother than a 60 Hz screen, especially when scrolling or playing games that support higher frame rates. The difference you notice depends on the device and what you are doing.
How many milliseconds is 60 Hz?
A 60 Hz refresh rate corresponds to approximately 16.67 milliseconds per refresh.
How many milliseconds is 144 Hz?
A 144 Hz refresh rate corresponds to approximately 6.94 milliseconds per refresh.
Does a higher refresh rate use more battery?
It can. Running a phone or laptop display at a higher refresh rate may consume more power, although the actual battery impact depends on the display technology, device settings, and usage.
Does 120 Hz mean 120 FPS?
No. A 120 Hz display can refresh up to 120 times per second, but the game or application may render fewer frames. The displayed result depends on both the screen and the content being produced.
Note: This calculator provides mathematical conversions. Actual display performance may vary depending on device specifications, refresh-rate settings, and application behavior.