In the world of video games, sharpness and responsiveness often come down to one number: frames per second, or FPS. A higher FPS translates into smoother motion and quicker on-screen reactions. If a gamer wants to gauge how well a favorite title runs, there are several reliable tools to monitor frame rates in real time.
Technical guides for PC gamers
A variety of programs provide live FPS tracking, including solutions from NVIDIA and AMD, built-in counters, and independent utilities. Below is a concise overview of the most widely used options.
What is FPS in games
FPS stands for frames per second and is a key performance metric for gaming. A higher FPS yields more fluid visuals during animations and actions, enhancing the overall gaming experience. This is especially critical in competitive titles, where even a fraction of a second can influence outcomes.
Tracking frame rates may not be essential for everyone, but it offers valuable insight into a system’s performance and helps compare hardware configurations. It also matters when choosing a monitor, since refresh rates interact with FPS to deliver smoothness.
How to enable FPS counter on Steam
Steam includes a built-in FPS counter that can be added to any game in the library, even titles not purchased through Steam. It’s a quick solution for checking performance without third-party software, though it may offer fewer details than specialized tools.
Steps to enable the counter on Steam:
- Open Steam and access the menu by clicking the Steam name in the top left corner.
- Select Institutions from the list, then go to the In the game section.
- Choose Display frame rate and place the counter where it is least distracting. If clarity is needed, turn on Contrast display frame rate.
- Confirm by clicking OK to save changes.
The FPS meter then appears in all Steam games, allowing real-time monitoring. Note that the counter is small by design to avoid obstructing gameplay.
How to turn on the counter using the Xbox Game Bar
The Xbox Game Bar, available on Windows 10 and 11, provides a handy FPS check for any game. While the window can be large and somewhat distracting, it offers not only FPS data but several other performance metrics as well.
To enable the counter with the Xbox Game Bar:
- Press Win+G to open the Xbox panel.
- Click the Performance tab at the top of the interface.
- In Performance Options, ensure the Number of frames per second option is activated under Statistics.
Once configured, the counter can be pinned to a convenient screen spot so it remains visible even when the panel is hidden. The Xbox Game Bar also tracks CPU and GPU usage, making it a robust tool for gamers.
How to enable FPS counter in Ubisoft Connect
Ubisoft Connect includes a built-in FPS counter for Ubisoft titles, simplifying performance tracking. It can be enabled in a few steps:
- Open Ubisoft Connect and access the menu, then choose Institutions.
- In Settings, enable the option to Display the FPS counter in the game.
With these steps complete, the FPS meter appears during gameplay, letting players monitor system performance in real time and adjust settings to optimize the experience.
Enable frame counter in the EA app
The EA Origin client also offers a built-in FPS counter for quick performance checks. It can be enabled as follows:
- Open the EA app and access the menu, then select Institutions.
- Navigate to Application settings and locate In-game screen.
- During a game, press Shift+F1 and tick the Frame Rate Counter box.
Once set, the FPS meter will display during play, enabling real-time monitoring and on-the-fly optimization.
View frame rate in NVIDIA GeForce Experience
NVIDIA GeForce Experience provides an easy way to enable an FPS counter and other performance indicators for live monitoring. Before enabling, ensure the latest GPU drivers are installed. Here are the steps:
- Open GeForce Experience with Alt+Z.
- Click the gear icon to access Settings and choose HUD Location.
- In the Performance section, select where the performance data should appear. If only FPS is needed, pick that option.
With the settings active, the metric appears on screen in the chosen location during gameplay, helping players track performance and adjust accordingly.
How to Enable FPS Counter in AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition
AMD users can enable an FPS counter through AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition, a straightforward way to monitor gaming performance. It is best to have the latest software installed. To activate the counter:
- Launch the Radeon software from the desktop or Start menu.
- Select the Performance tab at the top of the interface.
- In Statistics, choose which metrics to show in the FPS overlay.
- Open Settings by clicking the gear icon and go to Frequently Occur. Activate Game Overlay and configure language and the overlay position.
After installation, the overlay and chosen statistics display in the screen corner during gameplay.
How to find out FPS with MSI Afterburner
MSI Afterburner is widely known for GPU monitoring and overclocking. With the RivaTuner Statistics Server addon, it also tracks FPS while playing, offering a broader view of system performance.
To use MSI Afterburner for an on-screen FPS counter:
- Ensure MSI Afterburner and RivaTuner Statistics Server are installed together, as they are bundled.
- Open MSI Afterburner and click the settings icon to access preferences.
- In Monitoring, choose the parameters to display, including FPS, and enable Show in On-Screen Display for each item.
- Scroll to the bottom and assign a keyboard shortcut to toggle the on-screen display.
- Save changes, start a game, and use the hotkeys to show the FPS counter and statistics.
Remember to check Show in OED to ensure visibility.
MSI Afterburner combined with RivaTuner Statistics Server becomes a strong setup for real-time PC performance monitoring and gaming optimization. This tool is popular for its versatility in reviewing and improving the gaming experience.
How much FPS should be in games to play comfortably?
The ideal FPS depends on personal preference and the game style. Common benchmarks reflect a few general guidelines:
- 30FPS is often the minimum for many titles, especially cinematic experiences where rapid reactions aren’t critical. Visuals can feel a bit choppy, yet the experience remains playable in most story-driven games.
- 60FPS is the standard target for the majority of games. Smooth motion is especially important for competitive titles where milliseconds matter.
- 100FPS and above appeal to enthusiasts seeking maximum fluidity and minimal input lag, giving a perceived edge in fast-paced matches.
Achieving high frame rates requires hardware capable of handling the game’s demands. A high-refresh-rate monitor can amplify the benefit, allowing the full potential of the display to come through.
In the end, the best FPS is a balance between performance and visual fidelity, tailored to a player’s preferences and the game type.
Here is a practical guide to determine FPS in games. The aim is to help players enjoy a smooth, high-quality experience. If there are questions or corrections, user feedback is welcome in the comments. Citation: VG Times