Choice Reaction Time Test
A simple reaction test asks one question: how fast can you respond? A choice reaction test asks two: how fast, and did you pick the right response? On this page one side of the screen lights up at random, and you tap that side – or press the left or right arrow key – as quickly as you can.
One test is ten rounds. Because you have to decide before you move, choice reaction times are normally slower than simple ones, and your accuracy matters as much as your speed.
How to take the test
- Rest your fingers on the left and right arrow keys, or get ready to tap.
- Wait for one side to light up – don't guess.
- Hit the matching side as fast as you can.
- After ten rounds, check your average and your number of mistakes.
Simple vs choice reaction time
In a simple test there is only one possible signal and one response, so your brain can prepare the movement in advance. In a choice test you have to identify which signal appeared before choosing a response. Psychologists have studied this extra decision time for over a century; it's why the choice test usually adds tens of milliseconds to your result.
FAQ
Why is my choice reaction time slower than my simple reaction time?
Because you have to recognise which side lit up and choose the right response before moving.
Do wrong answers count?
They're recorded as mistakes, so a fast but inaccurate run isn't a good run.
Can I use the keyboard?
Yes – the left and right arrow keys.
Other ways to play: Reaction Time Test (all modes) · Aim Trainer · Audio Reaction Time Test · Reaction Time Test Unblocked · Average Reaction Time · Reaction Test · Daily Aim Challenge · How to Improve Reaction Time
