What Is the Easiest FPS Checker?
The easiest FPS checker on PC is already installed: turn on Steam’s in-game FPS counter, or use your graphics software’s overlay from NVIDIA, AMD or Intel. Windows Game Bar also has a performance widget. Consoles rarely show frame rates, so check the game’s performance modes and technical reviews instead.
| Tool | Where | How to turn on |
|---|---|---|
| Steam FPS counter | Steam games | Steam › Settings › In Game › In-game FPS counter |
| NVIDIA App overlay | NVIDIA GPUs | Open the overlay (Alt+Z) › Statistics |
| AMD Software metrics | AMD GPUs | Adrenalin › Performance › Metrics overlay |
| Xbox Game Bar | Windows 10/11 | Win+G › Performance widget |
| In-game counter | Many games | Game’s display or advanced settings |
| Consoles | PS5, Xbox, Switch | No system counter; use game modes |
Install GPU software only from official sources, such as NVIDIA’s driver page or AMD’s driver page. Seeing low numbers? Our guide to boosting FPS on PC shows what to change.
How to Check FPS on PC Step by Step
- Pick one tool. Running several overlays at once can cause stutter and crashes.
- Turn it on. Use the menu path from the table above.
- Play a demanding scene. Test in a busy area, not a menu.
- Watch the lows, not just the average. Sudden dips cause the stutter you feel.
- Compare after changes. Test the same scene after each settings change.
How to Read the Numbers
- 30 FPS: playable in slower games; feels choppy in shooters.
- 60 FPS: smooth for most players.
- 120+ FPS: best for competitive games on high refresh rate monitors.
- Frame time spikes: big jumps mean stutter even if the average looks fine.
Your display matters too. A 60 Hz screen cannot show more than 60 frames per second. Websites like TestUFO test your monitor’s refresh rate, not your game’s FPS.
FPS fine, but the game still feels laggy?
That may be network or input lag. Our lag guide helps you tell them apart.
Fix gaming lagFPS on Consoles
PS5, Xbox and Switch do not include a system-wide FPS counter. Choose Performance mode in games that offer it. For details per console, see our Xbox Series FPS guide and our FPS on Nintendo Switch guide.
Common Mistakes
- Running multiple overlays together.
- Judging performance from menus or loading screens.
- Expecting more FPS than your monitor’s refresh rate to be visible.
- Downloading “FPS booster” apps from unknown sites.
Microsoft explains Game Bar features on its PC gameplay troubleshooting page. Our PC game fixes guide lists other trusted tools.
Not sure if your FPS is normal?
Tell us your game, settings and hardware. We will tell you what to expect.
Ask GamingFixFrequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to set up an FPS checker?
Turning on Steam’s FPS counter or Game Bar’s performance widget takes under a minute. GPU overlays from NVIDIA or AMD take a couple of minutes if the software is already installed. Installing graphics software first adds around ten minutes.
What do I need before checking FPS?
You need a PC with Steam, your GPU’s software or Windows Game Bar. Know your monitor’s refresh rate, because it limits how many frames you can see. Close other overlays first so you do not stack several counters together.
What are common mistakes with FPS checkers?
Common mistakes include running several overlays at once, testing in menus instead of gameplay, and trusting online “FPS test” sites that only measure your browser or monitor. Some people also install unknown booster apps that add malware instead of frames.
Is there an online FPS checker for games?
Online tools can test your monitor’s refresh rate and browser performance, but they cannot measure frame rates inside installed games. For real game FPS, use Steam’s counter, your GPU overlay, Game Bar or the game’s own counter.
Can I check FPS on PS5 or Xbox?
Not with a built-in system counter. Some games show performance stats or let you pick Performance or Quality modes. Technical reviewers measure console frame rates with capture equipment, which is the most reliable way to know real console performance.
1 comment