Reaction Time Calculator

Reaction time is the time between the onset of a stimulus and the beginning of a movement response. Simple reaction time (SRT) involves responding to a single expected stimulus (e.g., a starting pistol). Choice reaction time (CRT) involves selecting between multiple possible responses based on which stimulus appears. CRT is longer and more sport-relevant.

The average simple visual reaction time for healthy adults is approximately 200 to 250 milliseconds. Average auditory reaction time is slightly faster at 150 to 200ms. Choice reaction time increases by approximately 150ms per additional response option (Hick's Law). Elite athletes typically show simple reaction times of 150 to 200ms.

Yes. Reaction time responds to specific training. Anticipation training (learning to predict when a stimulus will occur from context cues) reduces effective reaction time by 100ms or more in sport contexts. Sport-specific practice, video training, and attention training all reduce CRT. Pure SRT shows less trainability but can improve 10 to 15% with focused practice.

Simple reaction time peaks in early adulthood (20-25 years) and deteriorates progressively with age. By age 60, SRT is approximately 20 to 30% slower than at age 25. Regular aerobic exercise substantially attenuates this decline. The fastest reaction times in contact sports (boxing, martial arts) require rapid SRT of under 150ms.

Hick's Law states that choice reaction time (CRT) increases proportionally to the logarithm of the number of possible stimulus-response alternatives. CRT = a + b x log2(n), where n is the number of choices. Each doubling of choices adds approximately 150ms of CRT. This has major implications for sport: reducing cognitive uncertainty through positioning and anticipation improves effective response speed.