The fastest way to check your monitor's refresh rate

Your monitor's refresh rate is listed in three places: the label on the back of the monitor itself, the original box or paperwork it came in, and your computer's display settings. The label is the most reliable — it shows the model number, and the refresh rate is printed there or searchable online. If you no longer have the box, checking your operating system's display settings takes about one minute and requires no tools.

A 240Hz monitor refreshes the image on your screen 240 times per second. This matters most for fast-paced video games and competitive online play, where the higher refresh rate can reduce motion blur and make movement feel smoother. If you bought the monitor for general work or casual use, you may have a 60Hz or 144Hz monitor instead, and that is fine — the difference is only noticeable in specific situations.

Key Takeaways

  • The refresh rate is printed on a label on the back of your monitor or inside the original box.
  • Windows and Mac both display your monitor's refresh rate in display settings, reachable in under a minute.
  • A 240Hz monitor will show "240" or "240Hz" in the settings — anything lower means your monitor is not 240Hz.
  • If your monitor supports 240Hz but your settings show a lower number, your graphics card or cable may need adjustment.

Check the physical label on your monitor

Turn off your monitor and look at the back panel. Most monitors have a white or silver label listing the model number, serial number, and specifications. The refresh rate appears on this label — look for a number followed by "Hz". If the label says "240Hz" or lists "240" under refresh rate, your monitor is a 240Hz model.

If the label is worn or hard to read, write down the model number and search it online. The manufacturer's website or the retailer's product page will list the full specifications, including refresh rate. This method works even if you have never turned on the monitor or if it is currently broken.

Check refresh rate in Windows display settings

Right-click on your desktop and select Display settings. Scroll down and click Advanced display settings. Look for a section labeled Refresh rate — the number shown there is your current refresh rate. If it says 240Hz, your monitor is 240Hz and is running at its full speed.

If the refresh rate shows something lower than 240Hz — such as 60Hz or 144Hz — your monitor may still be a 240Hz model, but it is not running at full speed. This happens when your graphics card, cable, or Windows settings are limiting the display. Scroll down in the same Advanced display settings window and look for a dropdown menu that says Refresh rate. Click it to see all available options. If 240Hz appears in the list, select it and click explore.

If 240Hz does not appear in the dropdown list, your graphics card or cable may not support 240Hz output. Check that you are using a DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 cable — older HDMI cables often cannot carry a 240Hz signal. If you recently plugged in a new monitor, try a different cable or port on your graphics card.

Check refresh rate on Mac

Click the Apple menu and select System Settings. Go to Displays and click Advanced. Look for Refresh Rate in the list. The number shown is your current refresh rate. If it displays 240Hz, your monitor is running at full speed.

If the refresh rate is lower than 240Hz, click the Refresh Rate dropdown to see other options. If 240Hz is available, select it. If 240Hz does not appear as an option, your Mac's graphics hardware, cable, or port may not support 240Hz output. Macs with older graphics chips — particularly Intel-based models — often cannot output 240Hz even when connected to a 240Hz monitor.

What to do if your monitor supports 240Hz but settings show lower

If the label or product page confirms your monitor is 240Hz, but your computer shows a lower refresh rate, start with the cable. Unplug the cable connecting your monitor to your computer and inspect both ends. If it is an HDMI cable, check the label — it should say HDMI 2.1 or higher. If it says HDMI 1.4 or earlier, that cable cannot carry a 240Hz signal. Replace it with a DisplayPort cable or HDMI 2.1 cable.

If the cable is correct, try a different port on your graphics card. Most graphics cards have multiple DisplayPort or HDMI ports, and some ports may have different capabilities. Unplug the monitor cable and plug it into another port, then check your display settings again.

If you still see a lower refresh rate, your graphics card may not support 240Hz output. This is common on older graphics cards or integrated graphics chips built into budget laptops. In this case, your monitor is physically a 240Hz model, but your computer cannot use that feature. You can still use the monitor at its lower supported refresh rate without any damage.

Why the refresh rate matters for your use

A 240Hz refresh rate is most noticeable in fast-moving games, particularly competitive shooters or fighting games where reaction time is important. If you use your monitor for web browsing, email, video watching, or office work, the difference between 60Hz and 240Hz is barely visible. Many people find 144Hz a good middle ground — noticeably smoother than 60Hz but less demanding on graphics hardware than 240Hz.

If your monitor is not 240Hz and you bought it thinking it was, check the return policy of the retailer. Most allow returns within 30 days if the monitor has not been damaged. If you are past the return window, you can still use the monitor at its actual refresh rate — a 144Hz or 165Hz monitor is still a good display for most tasks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does my monitor have to be plugged in to check if it is 240Hz?

No. The label on the back shows the refresh rate whether the monitor is on or off. If you want to check your computer's display settings, the monitor must be plugged in and turned on, but you do not need to be logged into any accounts or have internet access.

What if my monitor shows 240Hz in settings but feels slow?

Your monitor is running at 240Hz, but you may not see the benefit if your graphics card cannot produce 240 frames per second in the software you are using. In games, lower graphics settings or a more powerful graphics card can increase frame rate. In other software, the smoothness depends on what the program is designed to do, not the monitor's refresh rate.

Can I damage my monitor by running it at 240Hz?

No. Running a 240Hz monitor at its rated refresh rate causes no damage. If anything, running it at a lower refresh rate than it is designed for is safer. Your monitor is built to handle 240Hz continuously.

Why does my monitor say 240Hz on the box but my computer shows 60Hz?

This usually means your cable or graphics card is not capable of 240Hz output. Try a DisplayPort or HDMI 2.1 cable, and make sure it is plugged into the correct port on your graphics card. If you are using a laptop with integrated graphics, the laptop hardware may not support 240Hz even though the monitor does.

Is there a way to test if 240Hz is actually working?

Yes. Search for "refresh rate test" online and open one of the free websites that display moving patterns. At 240Hz, the motion should appear very smooth with minimal blur. At 60Hz, the same test will look noticeably choppier. This is a visual check only and does not change your settings — it just shows you the difference between refresh rates.