How to use the APM Test
- Choose 10, 30 or 60 seconds.
- Click the pad once to focus it. The first action starts the timer.
- Click and tap keys as quickly as you can until time runs out.
- Read your APM and total actions, then try again.
Understanding your results
APM is your total actions divided by the actual elapsed time, scaled to one minute. For example, 90 actions in 30 seconds is 90 ÷ 30 × 60 = 180 APM. Holding a key down does not count extra: only genuine presses are counted.
What is APM?
APM stands for actions per minute. It is a measure of how many inputs — mouse clicks and key presses — you make in a minute. It became well known in real-time strategy (RTS) games, where players issue many commands every second, and it is also tracked in MOBAs and other fast-paced games.
APM is a measure of speed of input, not of skill. A player with lower APM and better decisions will usually beat a player who simply clicks a lot. Think of it as a warm-up metric for your hands rather than a score that wins games.
What is a good APM?
| APM | Typical level |
|---|---|
| Under 100 | Relaxed, casual input rate |
| 100 – 200 | Comfortable for most active gamers |
| 200 – 300 | Fast; typical of practised strategy players |
| 300+ | Very fast, usually bursts of rapid key tapping and clicking |
Raw mashing can reach very high numbers on a test like this, so compare your score with your own earlier runs.
How to raise your APM
Tips to improve
- Alternate hands between mouse clicks and key taps for the highest counts.
- Use short, low-travel taps rather than big movements.
- Take breaks to protect your hands.
Frequently asked questions
Each mouse press on the pad and each key press while the pad has focus. Held keys are not counted repeatedly.
Clicking gives the pad keyboard focus so your key presses register and do not scroll the page.
Not exactly. Games count their own set of commands. Use this as a practice benchmark.