Wondering what is fps in gaming and why everyone argues about it? FPS means frames per second: how many separate images your device draws each second. More frames usually feel smoother.
This guide sits in our gaming section and covers the basics for phone and PC players.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| What FPS counts | Individual frames your graphics card generates each second |
| Typical default monitor refresh | 60 Hz (60 new images per second) |
| A 120 Hz screen | Refreshes itself 120 times every second |
| V-Sync smooth-running threshold | Framerate has to be over 60 frames per second |
| Best-fit fix for mismatch | Variable refresh rate (G-Sync or FreeSync) |
Figures come from Corsair’s FPS and refresh rate explainer. Hardware and settings change, so check the source before you rely on them.
What FPS actually measures
A game is a fast slideshow. Each picture is a frame, and FPS is the number of frames shown in one second.
Corsair describes it as the number of individual frames your graphics card can generate each second. A higher number means more pictures are shown, so motion looks less choppy.
On a phone the same idea applies, except the phone’s chip does the drawing. Busy scenes with many characters and effects are harder to draw, so the count often drops in the middle of a fight.
FPS versus refresh rate
People mix up FPS and Hz, but they measure different things. FPS is how many frames the device makes; refresh rate is how many times the screen redraws.
Most monitors default to 60 Hz, so they show a new image 60 times in one second. A 120 Hz screen refreshes itself 120 times every second, according to the same Corsair page.
The screen sets the ceiling for what you can see. If your device makes more frames than the screen can show, the extras are wasted.
Why the two numbers should be close
Corsair says you don’t want the two numbers to drift too far apart. Its example: a graphics card capable of 150 frames per second is wasted on a 60 Hz monitor.
The reverse is also true. A 144 Hz monitor won’t help much if your graphics card only manages 60 frames per second.
What makes a game feel smooth or choppy
Smoothness depends on more than the average. A steady rate feels better than one that jumps around, even if the jumpy one averages higher.
- Stable frame delivery: frames that arrive evenly feel fluid.
- Drops during action: sudden dips are what you notice most.
- Input lag: the delay between your tap or click and the result on screen.
- Heat and battery: on phones, pushing the chip hard can slow it down over time.
Fast games such as shooters and racing titles show the difference most. A slow card or puzzle game barely changes.
V-Sync and variable refresh rate
V-Sync tries to line frames up with the screen. Corsair notes its downside: the framerate has to be over 60 frames per second for it to run smoothly, and it adds input lag.
For most people, Corsair says the best fix is a monitor with a variable refresh rate, meaning Nvidia G-Sync or AMD FreeSync. That lets the screen go above 60 Hz and stay matched to your graphics card’s framerate.
These are monitor features, so they matter more on a PC than on a typical phone.
Why frame rate matters differently by game type
Not every game needs the same frame rate. The genre decides how much you will notice a dip.
- Shooters and battle royales: you track moving targets, so choppy motion makes aiming harder.
- Racing and sports games: fast camera movement exposes low frame rates quickly.
- Strategy, card and puzzle games: the picture changes slowly, so a lower rate looks fine.
- Story and role-playing games: visual detail often matters more than raw speed.
This is why many players trade a little visual quality for steadier motion in fast games, and do the opposite in slow ones.
Common myths about FPS
One myth is that a bigger number is always the goal. The number only helps up to what your screen can show, and only if the device can hold it.
Another myth is that FPS is the same as graphics quality. A game can look stunning at a modest rate or plain at a very high one, because the two settings are separate choices.
A third myth is that a faster phone or card fixes every stutter. Heat, background apps and the game’s own code can all cause uneven motion.
How to check and improve your frame rate
You can’t improve what you can’t see, so start by measuring. Many games include a built-in counter in the settings menu, and PCs have overlay tools for the same job.
Watch the counter during a busy moment rather than on a menu screen. Menus are easy to draw, so they flatter the result.
If the number is lower than you want, change one thing at a time. That way you learn which setting helped, and you can undo anything that made the picture worse for little gain.
- Compare your frame rate with your screen’s refresh rate, since Corsair says a 144 Hz monitor isn’t worth wanting if your graphics card only manages 60 frames per second.
- Reduce resolution or render scale if the game offers it.
- Close other apps running in the background.
- Let your device cool down if it feels hot, because heat can slow the chip.
- Keep the game and your system software up to date.
On a phone, a battery-saver mode can also cap the rate. If a game feels worse than usual, check whether that mode is switched on.
Phones, PCs and esports
Mobile games often let you pick a frame rate in the graphics menu. Higher choices look smoother but drain the battery faster, so pick what suits your phone and your session length.
If you want bigger-screen play, our guide on how to play pc games on phone explains the options and why frame rate can vary.
Competitive players care about frame rate because quick reactions depend on seeing movement early. To see where that fits in organised play, read how do esports work.
A simple checklist
- Find your screen’s refresh rate in the display settings.
- Turn on an in-game FPS counter if the game has one.
- Choose a frame rate your device can hold steadily.
- Lower graphics detail first if the count keeps dipping.
Frequently asked questions
What is fps in gaming in simple words?
Show answer
It is the number of images your device draws each second. More images per second generally means smoother motion.
Is higher FPS always better?
Show answer
Not if your screen can’t show it. Corsair’s example is that a graphics card capable of 150 frames per second is a waste of money on a 60 Hz monitor.
Why does my game stutter even with a good phone or PC?
Show answer
Uneven frame delivery, heat, background apps and the game’s own code can all cause stutter. A steady rate your device can hold usually feels better than a high rate that keeps dipping.
Are FPS and Hz the same thing?
Show answer
No. FPS is what your device produces, and Hz is how often your screen refreshes.
How can I stop mismatch between the two?
Show answer
Corsair suggests a monitor with variable refresh rate, such as G-Sync or FreeSync, so the screen stays matched to your framerate.
