How to Test Your Reaction Time

Reacting quickly to sudden changes is important, especially in athletics. Activities like boxing, martial arts and team-based competitive sports require participants to block their opponents or change strategy in an instant. If you engage in any kind of sports, or are simply curious, there is an easy way to generally assess how quickly you react. Keep in mind this is not an exact science. However, it is a good way to monitor your progress as you attempt to decrease your reaction time.

Things You'll Need

  • Coach
  • Meter stick
  • Calculator
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold out your thumb and index finger. Have your coach hold the meter stick between your hand. The zero mark needs to be level with the top of your thumb.

    • 2

      Let the meter stick fall. Have your assistant drop the stick without warning you. Catch the ruler between your index finger and thumb as soon as it falls.

    • 3

      Measure the distance in centimeters from the top of your thumb to the zero mark.

    • 4

      Carry out the above steps two more times, then add the measurements together. For example, assume that the three attempts generated 8, 6 and 9 cm. The total would be 23.

    • 5

      Calculate the average. Since you added three numbers together, divide the total by 3; thus, in this example, your average is 7.6 cm.

    • 6

      Assess your results. There is a range that gives you a general idea about your reaction time. Use the following scale:

      Under 8 cm: Excellent

      8.1 to 17 cm: Very good

      17.1 to 21 cm: Average

      21.1 or higher: Poor