Frames per second (FPS) measures how many still images your screen refreshes every second when playing a game. Each image is called a frame. A higher FPS count creates the illusion of smoother, more fluid motion because your eyes see more individual pictures flickering past in quick succession.
Common FPS targets depend on the game type and your display:
- 30 FPS: Playable but noticeably choppy. Acceptable only for slower games or on budget hardware.
- 60 FPS: The standard for most games. Feels smooth to most players and suits a typical 60 Hz monitor.
- 120 FPS or higher: Very smooth, but only useful if your monitor can display it (120 Hz, 144 Hz, 240 Hz displays). Competitive players prefer this for faster reaction times.
Your actual FPS depends on three things: your graphics card power, your monitor's refresh rate, and the game's graphics settings (resolution, texture quality, ray tracing, etc.). A powerful GPU won't help if your monitor only refreshes at 60 Hz. Conversely, a 144 Hz monitor won't show the benefit if your graphics card can only manage 60 FPS.
When buying a gaming PC or monitor, check whether FPS targets match your hardware budget. Budget builds suit 1080p at 60 FPS. Mid-range systems handle 1440p at 60, 100 FPS. High-end rigs chase 4K or competitive frame rates above 144 FPS. Gaming monitors are also sold by refresh rate (measured in Hz), so a 144 Hz display can show up to 144 FPS smoothly.