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Reaction Time Analysis Calculator

Work out reaction time analysis instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.

About Reaction Time Analysis Calculator

Reaction time studies report both central tendency and variability, because inconsistency is itself informative. Four trials averaging 303.5 ms with a standard deviation of 30.3 ms give a coefficient of variation of 10%. Simple visual reaction time averages 200-250 ms in young adults, and elevated variability is a recognised marker of attentional lapses.

Formulas

Mean

mean = sum of trial times / number of trials

Coefficient of variation

CV = standard deviation / mean x 100%

Worked example

With the default values below, Reaction Time Analysis Calculator returns Mean Reaction Time of 303.5. Change any input above and every figure here is recalculated in your browser.

Inputs used

First trialminimum 1 ms
285 ms
Second trialminimum 1 ms
312 ms
Third trialminimum 1 ms
268 ms
Fourth trialminimum 1 ms
349 ms

Results

Mean Reaction Time
303.5 ms
Standard Deviation
30.60 ms
Fastest Trial
268 ms
Coefficient Of Variation
10.08%

Step by step

  1. 1Values used
  2. 2Mean
  3. 3Coefficient of variation
  4. 4Mean Reaction Time= 303.5 ms
  5. 5Standard Deviation= 30.60 ms
  6. 6Fastest Trial= 268 ms
  7. 7Coefficient Of Variation= 10.08

Assumptions and limits

  • The result is derived only from the 4 inputs listed above. Anything not among them is not part of the calculation.
  • In particular, this calculator does not take inflation, tax, fees or charges or compounding frequency into account.
  • Figures are rounded for display to 2 decimal places, so totals built from several rounded parts can differ slightly from the unrounded arithmetic.

How these calculators are built and tested is described on the Methodology page. If a figure looks wrong, please report it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why report variability as well as the mean?

Because intra-individual variability rises with fatigue, ageing and attentional disorders, often before the mean changes measurably.

What is a normal simple reaction time?

About 200-250 ms to a visual stimulus and 150-200 ms to an auditory one, since sound reaches the cortex faster.

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