Refresh rate facts for kids

A refresh rate tells you how many times your screen updates the picture every second. Think of it like flipping through a stack of pictures really fast. The faster you flip, the smoother the motion looks.

Refresh rate is measured in Hertz (Hz). If a screen has a 60 Hz refresh rate, it means it can show 60 new pictures every second. A 120 Hz screen can show 120 pictures per second. This is a common feature for computer monitors and televisions. It sets the highest number of frames per second (fps) your screen can display.

For example, if you're playing a video game that's trying to show 128 frames per second, but your screen only has a 60 Hz refresh rate, you'll only see 60 frames per second. Your screen can't keep up with the game, so it will only show what it can handle.

Why Higher Refresh Rates Matter

When a screen's refresh rate goes up, the pictures update much faster. This makes motion look smoother and clearer. The difference between 60 Hz and 120 Hz can be big, especially for fast-moving things.

For example, with a lower refresh rate, you might see "motion blur." This happens when images move too quickly for the screen to update, making them look blurry. A higher refresh rate helps reduce this blur.

When Do You Need a High Refresh Rate?

Most TV shows and streaming videos are made to run at 60 Hz or less. So, for watching movies or regular TV, a 60 Hz screen is usually fine.

However, if you play a lot of video games, especially fast-paced ones, a higher refresh rate like 120 Hz or more can make a big difference. It helps you see the action more clearly and react faster, giving you a better gaming experience.

Images for kids

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  This animation shows how motion looks different with 4 Hz, 12 Hz, and 24 Hz refresh rates.

See also

In Spanish: Frecuencia de refresco para niños