VRR range, LFC and frame cap calculator
Enter your monitor's variable refresh range and your usual FPS. See whether low framerate compensation works, what refresh rate you get and a sensible frame cap.
How the range works
With a variable refresh rate (G-Sync, FreeSync or HDMI VRR) the monitor refreshes whenever a new frame is ready, within a range set by the panel. Inside the range the display follows your frame rate. Above it, frames wait for the next refresh. Below it, low framerate compensation can repeat frames to stay inside the range, if the monitor supports it.
Quick guide
| Your FPS | What happens |
|---|---|
| Between the minimum and maximum | The monitor refreshes at your frame rate. |
| Below the minimum with LFC | Frames repeat so the monitor stays in range. |
| Below the minimum without LFC | Variable refresh drops out, with tearing or stutter. |
| At or above the maximum | Variable refresh stops helping. Cap a few FPS below it. |
Match your monitor to a graphics card with the monitor and GPU matcher, and see how frame time relates to refresh in the FPS to frame time converter.
Frequently asked questions
What is low framerate compensation (LFC)?
LFC repeats each frame when your frame rate falls below the monitor's minimum variable refresh rate, keeping the display inside its range so motion stays smooth instead of tearing or stuttering. It generally needs the maximum refresh rate to be at least twice the minimum.
What frame cap should I use with G-Sync or FreeSync?
A common suggestion is a few frames per second below your refresh rate, for example 141 FPS on a 144 Hz monitor, so the game stays inside the variable refresh range and avoids extra latency from V-Sync. The calculator shows that figure for your monitor.
What happens below the VRR range?
Without LFC the monitor falls out of variable refresh and you may see tearing or stutter. With LFC the monitor multiplies the refresh rate to stay in range. The table shows what refresh rate your monitor would run at for any frame rate.
Is my monitor's VRR range always listed?
Manufacturers often list only the maximum refresh rate. The minimum can be found in the spec sheet, a review or the monitor's on-screen information. Many modern G-Sync and FreeSync Premium monitors support LFC, but check yours before relying on it.
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