Measure your reaction time
This simple test lets you measure your reaction time. Who’s faster?
Ruler
Someone to play the game with
Get started
Step 1
Your partner holds the ruler just above your fingers. Your fingers should be where “0 cm” is shown on the ruler.
Step 2
When your partner suddenly lets go of the ruler, grab it between your fingers as fast as you can. Look at the number of centimetres on the ruler.
What did you discover?
The fewer centimetres have dropped past your fingers, the faster your reaction time. This is the amount of time your brain needs to process what it has seen and to react.
Reaction times differ from one person to the next. It depends on all kinds of things, such as your age, your lifestyle and practice. Repeat the experiment and see if you can improve your score!
