How the CPS test works
Press Start test and a large box appears. The clock does not run yet. Your first click inside the box starts a five second timer, and every click after that is counted. When time is up the test divides your clicks by five and shows your clicks per second (CPS), a rating and your personal best.
Taps count on touchscreens. Right clicks do not count in this version, so a stray right click will not inflate your score. There are separate pages for right clicking, the spacebar and other lengths, listed under Related pages below.
What is a good CPS?
| Clicks per second | Rating |
|---|---|
| 14 or more | Exceptional |
| 11 to 13.9 | Fast |
| 9 to 10.9 | Above average |
| 6 to 8.9 | Average |
| 4 to 5.9 | Below average |
| Under 4 | Slow |
Normal clicking with one finger tops out for most people somewhere between 6 and 9 CPS. Scores well above that almost always come from a deliberate technique.
Clicking techniques
Regular clicking. One finger, one click at a time. Comfortable and accurate, and what most people use.
Jitter clicking. You tense your forearm and wrist so the hand vibrates, and the vibration drives the clicks. It can reach well into double figures but is tiring and can strain your arm if you do it for long.
Butterfly clicking. Two fingers take turns on the same button, so each finger only has to click half as often. Many mice register some of these as double clicks, which is why the technique is banned on some game servers.
Drag clicking. You drag a finger across the button so friction makes it bounce and register many clicks at once. It depends heavily on the mouse surface and the switch, and works on only some mice.
If you try jitter or drag clicking, stop when your hand or wrist starts to ache.
Why clicks per second matters
In some games, especially Minecraft PvP, damage depends partly on how often you hit, so a higher CPS can make a difference. CPS tests are also a quick way to check whether a mouse button is working properly, and some people simply enjoy the challenge of beating their own record.
How to get a higher score
- Rest your finger on the button before you start, so the first click is instant.
- Keep your hand relaxed between clicks. A tight grip slows you down.
- Click with the fingertip, not the whole finger.
- Anchor your wrist on the desk so the movement comes from the finger alone.
- Take a few runs. Your best score usually arrives on the third or fourth try.
Your results are saved in this browser. The Your scores panel shows your best and average and draws a trend line so you can see whether practice is working. If you want to test pure reflexes instead of speed, try the reaction time test, or measure pointer control with the aim trainer.