---
title: "Reaction times — reflexes"
description: "4 measured reaction and reflex times covering reflexes, each labelled as a reflex, a reaction or a design value. The distinction is the point."
url: https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/reflexes/
site: "At One Place"
---

# Reflexes

4 figures covering reflexes, fastest first.

| What | Typical | Range | Kind | What is measured |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Vestibulo-ocular reflex | 10 ms | 7 ms–15 ms | Reflex | Head turns; time until the eyes counter-rotate to hold the image still. |
| Knee-jerk (patellar) reflex | 22 ms | 18 ms–24 ms | Reflex | Tap the patellar tendon; time to the quadriceps contracting. |
| Blink reflex | 40 ms | 30 ms–60 ms | Reflex | Air puff or loud sound; time to the eyelid muscle firing. |
| Withdrawal reflex | 90 ms | 70 ms–150 ms | Reflex | Touching something painfully hot or sharp; time to the limb starting to move away. |

- [Vestibulo-ocular reflex](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/vestibulo-ocular-reflex/) — 10 ms
- [Knee-jerk (patellar) reflex](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/knee-jerk-reflex/) — 22 ms
- [Blink reflex](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/blink-reflex/) — 40 ms
- [Withdrawal reflex](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/withdrawal-reflex/) — 90 ms

## Related pages

- [The basic senses](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/senses/)
- [Driving](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/driving/)
- [Sport](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/sport/)
- [Screens and input](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/screens/)
- [How it varies between people](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/people/)