---
title: "Reaction times — how it varies between people"
description: "3 measured reaction and reflex times covering how it varies between people, each labelled as a reflex, a reaction or a design value. The distinction is the point."
url: https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/people/
site: "At One Place"
---

# How it varies between people

3 figures covering how it varies between people, fastest first.

| What | Typical | Range | Kind | What is measured |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| How reaction time changes with age | 250 ms | 190 ms–400 ms | Reaction | Simple visual reaction across the lifespan, from childhood to old age. |
| What sleep loss does to reaction time | 300 ms | 250 ms–600 ms | Reaction | Simple visual reaction after extended wakefulness or restricted sleep. |
| What alcohol does to reaction time | 320 ms | 260 ms–500 ms | Reaction | Simple and choice reaction at blood alcohol concentrations around the common legal driving limits. |

- [How reaction time changes with age](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/reaction-time-by-age/) — 250 ms
- [What sleep loss does to reaction time](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/reaction-time-fatigue/) — 300 ms
- [What alcohol does to reaction time](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/reaction-time-alcohol/) — 320 ms

## Related pages

- [The basic senses](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/senses/)
- [Reflexes](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/reflexes/)
- [Driving](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/driving/)
- [Sport](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/sport/)
- [Screens and input](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/screens/)