What Is Hertz (Hz) in Gaming Monitors?

What hertz means in a monitor

Hertz (Hz) is the unit of frequency that describes how many times a monitor refreshes its image each second. A 60Hz monitor updates the picture 60 times per second, a 144Hz monitor updates it 144 times per second, and so on. This refresh rate is one of the core specifications on a gaming monitor, alongside resolution and response time.

The refresh rate determines how often the display can show a new frame from the graphics card. When the refresh rate is higher, the screen can keep up with a faster stream of frames, which can reduce the visible gaps between frames during motion. This is why higher hertz is often associated with smoother-looking movement in games.

It is important to distinguish hertz from frames per second (FPS). FPS is how many frames the graphics card produces each second, while hertz is how many times the monitor can display them. For the full benefit of a high-refresh monitor, the gaming PC needs to deliver a frame rate that matches or exceeds the monitor's refresh rate.

How hertz affects motion smoothness

A higher refresh rate can make motion appear smoother because each frame is displayed for a shorter time, reducing the blur and stutter that can occur when the screen updates slowly. In fast-moving scenes, such as a camera panning across a landscape or a character turning quickly, a 144Hz or 240Hz monitor can show the action with less perceived judder compared to a 60Hz panel.

The benefit is most noticeable in competitive play, where quick reactions and precise tracking matter. A higher refresh rate can also reduce input lag, the delay between a mouse movement and the corresponding action on screen, because the monitor processes new frames more frequently. Windows 11 includes optimizations for windowed games that reduce latency and increase frame rates, which can complement a high-refresh monitor when playing in windowed mode.

However, the smoothness you see depends on the frame rate your gaming PC can produce. If the graphics card outputs 60 frames per second, a 144Hz monitor will still show 60 frames per second, just refreshed more often. To take advantage of a high-hertz display, the PC needs to be capable of generating frames at a similar rate.

Common refresh rates in gaming monitors

Gaming monitors are available in several standard refresh rates, each suited to different types of play and hardware. The most common are 60Hz, 144Hz, 165Hz, 240Hz, and 360Hz. Some high-end models go even higher, with the latest GeForce RTX GPUs supporting up to 480Hz at 4K resolution with Display Stream Compression, as part of the RTX 50 series platform.

A 60Hz monitor is the baseline and is fine for general desktop use and slower-paced games. A 144Hz monitor is a popular choice for gaming because it offers a significant improvement in smoothness without requiring an extremely powerful graphics card. Many competitive players prefer 240Hz or 360Hz monitors for the fastest possible response, but these demand a PC that can sustain very high frame rates.

The refresh rate you choose should match both your play style and the performance of your gaming PC. A monitor with a higher hertz than your PC can deliver will not show its full potential, while a monitor with a lower hertz may limit the smoothness you could otherwise achieve.

Matching hertz to your gaming PC

To get the most from a high-refresh monitor, your gaming PC needs to produce frames at a rate close to the monitor's refresh rate. For example, a 144Hz monitor pairs well with a PC that can run games at 144 frames per second or more. If your PC only manages 60 frames per second, a 144Hz monitor will still look smooth, but you will not see the full benefit of the higher refresh rate.

The graphics card is the main component that determines frame rate. A more powerful GPU can push higher frame rates, especially at lower resolutions. For 1080p gaming, a mid-range graphics card can often handle high refresh rates, while 1440p or 4K gaming may require a more powerful card to reach the same frame rates. See our guides on best 1080p gaming PCs and best 1440p gaming PCs for examples of systems that can support high-refresh play.

It is also worth considering the connection type. To run a monitor at its maximum refresh rate, you may need a cable and port that support the required bandwidth. DisplayPort and HDMI versions vary in their capabilities, so check the specifications of both your monitor and graphics card. For more on this, see what DisplayPort version is enough for gaming and what HDMI version is enough for gaming.

Choosing a refresh rate for your play style

The right refresh rate depends on the kinds of games you play and how competitive you want to be. For casual single-player games and general use, 60Hz is adequate, but 144Hz offers a noticeable improvement in smoothness that many players appreciate. For competitive shooters and esports titles, a higher refresh rate like 240Hz or 360Hz can provide a competitive edge by making motion appear more fluid and reducing input lag.

Resolution also plays a role. A 1440p monitor at 144Hz is a popular balance between image clarity and smoothness, while 4K monitors often top out at 60Hz or 120Hz because of the demanding graphics load. If you prioritize smoothness over resolution, a 1080p or 1440p monitor with a high refresh rate may be a better fit. For a deeper comparison, see 1440p vs 4K gaming monitor and 60Hz vs 144Hz vs 240Hz gaming monitor.

Ultimately, the best refresh rate is the one that matches your hardware and your preferences. A monitor with a higher hertz than your PC can drive is not wasted, as it leaves room for future upgrades, but the immediate benefit will be limited by your current frame rate.

What to pick for your play

Questions

Is a higher hertz always better for gaming?

A higher refresh rate can make motion look smoother and reduce input lag, but the benefit depends on your PC's frame rate. If your graphics card cannot produce frames at a rate close to the monitor's refresh rate, you will not see the full advantage. For most players, 144Hz is a sweet spot, while 240Hz and above are for those who prioritize competitive response.

What is the difference between hertz and frames per second?

Hertz measures how many times the monitor refreshes its image per second, while frames per second (FPS) measures how many frames the graphics card produces each second. The monitor can only display as many frames as the PC sends, so a high-hertz monitor needs a PC that can deliver a matching frame rate.

Can a 60Hz monitor show more than 60 frames per second?

No, a 60Hz monitor can only display 60 distinct frames per second. If the graphics card outputs more, the extra frames are not shown, which can lead to screen tearing. A higher refresh rate monitor, such as 144Hz, can display more frames and reduce tearing when combined with a matching frame rate.

Do I need a special cable for high refresh rates?

Yes, to run a monitor at its maximum refresh rate, the cable and port must support the required bandwidth. DisplayPort and HDMI versions have different capabilities, so check the specifications of your monitor and graphics card. For example, DisplayPort 1.4 can handle 144Hz at 1440p, while HDMI 2.1 is needed for 4K at high refresh rates.

What refresh rate is best for esports?

For competitive esports, a higher refresh rate like 240Hz or 360Hz can provide a smoother image and lower input lag, which may help in fast-paced games. However, you need a gaming PC that can sustain high frame rates to benefit. A 144Hz monitor is still a solid choice if your PC cannot reach 240 frames per second.