5-Choice Reaction Time Test
Five zones, one lights up — hit the right one. Choices slow you down.
MEASURES
Choice RT
INPUT
D F Space J K
TIME
~60 sec
How the test works
Why more choices means slower reactions
With one signal and one response, you just react. Add options and your brain has to identify which before it acts — and that decision takes time. Hick's law says reaction time rises with the logarithm of the number of choices, which is why a five-choice reaction lands 100–150 ms slower than the simple click test.
Run the Classic Reaction Time Test too — ReactionBench keeps your simple median beside your choice median on the results screen, so you can see exactly what the extra decision costs you.
How your score grades
Elite
under 350 ms
Very fast decisions with clean accuracy
Fast
350 – 449 ms
Quick choice reactions, above average
Average
450 – 549 ms
Typical for a five-way choice
Deliberate
550 ms +
Accurate but taking time to decide
Questions
Why is choice reaction slower than simple reaction?
Because you must identify which of the five signals appeared before responding. That decision step adds time on top of the raw reaction — roughly 100–150 ms for five choices, as predicted by Hick's law.
What is Hick's law?
A principle stating that reaction time increases with the logarithm of the number of choices. Doubling the options doesn't double the time, but each added choice makes the decision measurably slower.
Do errors count against my score?
Yes. Only correct responses count toward your median time, and your accuracy is graded alongside it. A fast median with lots of wrong zones will not earn a top grade.
Is this an ADHD test?
No. Sustained choice-reaction tasks share features with some clinical assessments, but this is a quick benchmark for curiosity, not a diagnostic or screening tool. Consult a professional for any clinical question.