Gaming PC FPS vs Monitor Hz Sync Calculator

Is your gaming rig properly matched to your monitor? Our sync calculator evaluates your FPS against your monitor's refresh rate, considering sync technology and game type. Get a detailed analysis of utilization, tearing risk, input lag, and actionable recommendations to optimize your gaming experience.

Your average frames per second in-game

FPS vs Hz Analysis: Optimal State: FPS ≈ Monitor Hz (1:1 match) Under: FPS < Hz → Not fully utilizing monitor Over: FPS > Hz → Potential screen tearing (without sync) or input lag (with V-Sync) Utilization Rate = min(FPS / Hz × 100, 100) Wasted Frames = FPS - Hz (when FPS > Hz) With Sync Technology: • V-Sync: Caps FPS to Hz, adds ~1-3ms input lag • G-Sync / FreeSync: Variable refresh rate, smooth without lag • No Sync: Tearing when FPS ≠ Hz multiple Refresh Window (ms) = 1000 / Hz Frame Time (ms) = 1000 / FPS Smoothness Score: • FPS within 90-110% of Hz: Excellent (95-100) • FPS between Hz and Hz/2: Good (70-90) • FPS less than Hz/2: Poor (<70) • FPS much higher than Hz with no sync: Tearing risk
Example: 144 Hz monitor, 180 FPS in Valorant, G-Sync FPS: 180 | Hz: 144 Utilization: 144/144 × 100 = 100% (full refresh rate used) Wasted Frames: 180 - 144 = 36 FPS wasted Frame Time: 1000/180 = 5.56ms (GPU rendering) Refresh Window: 1000/144 = 6.94ms (monitor displaying) With G-Sync: Frames displayed as rendered, smooth experience No tearing, minimal input lag Assessment: Excellent setup for competitive gaming Recommendation: Cap FPS at 141 (3 below max) for optimal G-Sync No tearing, lowest input lag, full Hz utilization Without V-Sync & No G-Sync: Tearing visible at 180 FPS on 144 Hz Recommendation: Enable G-Sync or cap at 144 FPS

Do I need a 240 Hz or 360 Hz monitor?

For competitive FPS games (Valorant, CS:GO, Overwatch), 240 Hz provides a noticeable improvement over 144 Hz, especially for pro-level players. The difference between 240 Hz and 360 Hz is more subtle and mainly benefits top 1% players. For single-player games, 144 Hz is already excellent. Ensure your GPU can consistently deliver FPS matching your monitor refresh rate.

What is screen tearing and how do I fix it?

Screen tearing occurs when the monitor displays parts of multiple frames at once because the GPU sends a new frame while the monitor is still refreshing. Fix it with V-Sync (adds input lag), G-Sync/FreeSync (best solution, minimal lag), or Fast Sync (good for high FPS). For competitive gaming, G-Sync/FreeSync is ideal as it eliminates tearing without input lag.

Should I cap my FPS below my monitor refresh rate?

If using G-Sync or FreeSync, cap FPS 3-5 below your monitor's max Hz (e.g., 141 FPS on 144 Hz). This keeps VRR active and prevents the sync from disengaging at max refresh rate. Without sync technology, capping FPS to your monitor Hz can reduce tearing. For competitive play with no sync, leave FPS uncapped for lowest input lag.

Is 60 FPS on a 144 Hz monitor worse than 60 FPS on a 60 Hz monitor?

No, 60 FPS on a 144 Hz monitor looks the same or slightly better than on a 60 Hz monitor. The 144 Hz monitor refreshes more frequently, reducing perceived flicker. However, you are not getting the smoothness benefit of 144 Hz. If you cannot achieve high FPS, consider a 60 Hz or 75 Hz monitor as a budget option.

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