How the spacebar clicker works
Choose 5, 10, 30 or 60 seconds, then press the spacebar. The first press starts the timer. Every press is timed to the millisecond with performance.now(), and the page keeps your score live: presses, presses per second and time left.
When the time is up you get:
- Total presses and the average speed in presses per second;
- Best second: the most presses you landed within any one-second window;
- Cadence chart: your presses per time slice, to see whether you started too fast and faded at the end;
- Your record for that duration, kept in your browser.
Auto-repeat from a held key is ignored, and the page stops Space from scrolling while you play. Pressing Space right after the end does not restart the test immediately, so your last mashes do not count as a new attempt.
How to score higher
- Pick your technique. Tapping with one thumb is steady but slow. Alternating two fingers, or tensing the forearm so the hand vibrates, is faster over 5 to 10 seconds but hard to hold for a minute.
- Pace long runs. Over 30 and 60 seconds, the cadence chart usually shows a strong start and a slow finish. A steady rhythm a little under your maximum gives a better total.
- Check your switch. A light linear switch with a short travel is faster than a heavy or tactile one. A rattling stabiliser can also make some presses miss.
Which duration to choose
The 5 second mode is a pure sprint: your best second and your average are close, and technique matters more than stamina. 10 seconds is the most common format online, so it is the one to compare with friends. 30 and 60 seconds test endurance: expect your speed to drop by a fifth or more, and use the cadence chart to see exactly when you start to slow down. Each duration keeps its own record, so a great 5 second sprint never hides a weak minute.
Typical scores
| Presses per second | Level |
|---|---|
| Under 5 | Relaxed |
| 5 to 7 | Average |
| 7 to 9 | Fast |
| 9 to 11 | Very fast |
| Over 11 | Outstanding |
The limits of the test
The page counts the presses the browser receives. A keyboard that scans its keys slowly, or a wireless keyboard in power-saving mode, can merge or drop very fast presses. Some keyboards also filter fast repeated presses as switch bounce (debounce). Scores from different keyboards, browsers or devices are therefore not strictly comparable. To check that every key on your keyboard works, use the keyboard test.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good spacebar score?
Over 10 seconds, most people land between 5 and 7 presses per second. Above 8 is fast, and above 10 is rare and usually takes a special technique, like vibrating the hand or tapping with two fingers.
Does holding the spacebar count?
No. Holding a key makes the system repeat it, and those automatic repeats are ignored. Only real presses count, so you have to release the key between two hits.
Can I play on a phone?
Yes. Tap the counter area with your finger. The score is counted the same way, but a touchscreen and a keyboard do not give comparable results.
Where is my best score saved?
In your browser only, one record per duration. Nothing is sent to a server. Clearing your browsing data or using a private window resets it.
Can this test wear out my keyboard?
No. Keyboard switches are rated for tens of millions of presses. A minute of mashing is a few hundred. Do take a break if your wrist hurts.
Updated October 26, 2026