---
title: "Reaction times — the basic senses"
description: "5 measured reaction and reflex times covering the basic senses, each labelled as a reflex, a reaction or a design value. The distinction is the point."
url: https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/senses/
site: "At One Place"
---

# The basic senses

5 figures covering the basic senses, fastest first.

| What | Typical | Range | Kind | What is measured |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Simple tactile reaction time | 155 ms | 130 ms–190 ms | Reaction | Respond as soon as the skin is touched or vibrated. |
| Simple auditory reaction time | 170 ms | 140 ms–200 ms | Reaction | Press a button as soon as a tone sounds. |
| Simple visual reaction time | 250 ms | 200 ms–300 ms | Reaction | Press a button as soon as a light appears. One stimulus, one response, no choice to make. |
| Recognition reaction time | 340 ms | 280 ms–450 ms | Reaction | Respond to some stimuli and withhold on others — a go/no-go task. |
| Choice reaction time | 380 ms | 300 ms–500 ms | Reaction | Two or more stimuli, each with its own response. Press left for a red light, right for a green one. |

- [Simple tactile reaction time](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/tactile-reaction-time/) — 155 ms
- [Simple auditory reaction time](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/auditory-reaction-time/) — 170 ms
- [Simple visual reaction time](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/visual-reaction-time/) — 250 ms
- [Recognition reaction time](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/recognition-reaction-time/) — 340 ms
- [Choice reaction time](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/choice-reaction-time/) — 380 ms

## Related pages

- [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/)
- [How it varies between people](https://atoneplace.net/reaction-time/people/)