Connect and settle
Connect by USB or Bluetooth, press one button, then leave both sticks untouched for at least five seconds.
Free online stick drift test
Controller drift test: run a stick drift test online.
Leave both analog sticks untouched and watch their resting position. Gamepad Bench shows drift direction, radial magnitude, peak movement and whether the signal escapes your selected deadzone.
No downloadNo accountLocal processing
Live drift0.0%Awaiting signal
Observed rate— HzBrowser estimate
Pressed now016 inputs exposed
Mapping—0 samples
Left stick0.0% from center
CenteredX 0.000Y 0.000Peak 0.0%
Right stick0.0% from center
CenteredX 0.000Y 0.000Peak 0.0%
ToleranceDeadzone threshold
10%1%Recommended 8–12%30%
Ready when you are Connect a controller or open the demo to see live diagnostics.
Polling rate is inferred from Gamepad API timestamp changes. It is useful for comparison, not proof of end-to-end hardware latency.
Repeatable diagnosis
Controller Health Report
Measure ten seconds of untouched stick input, compare a before and after result, then export a local report.
Sampling and exports run locally. Shared links contain only aggregate values in the URL fragment; they omit the controller name and raw input history.
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Three-minute check
How to get a reliable result
Check the center
A healthy stick should remain close to the center. Small fluctuations inside an 8–12% deadzone are common.
Repeat after movement
Rotate each stick around its full edge, release it, and confirm it returns to the same resting area.
Read the signal
Numbers that actually help
Browser tests are best for repeatable comparisons. Use the same cable, port, browser, and controller state before judging a change.
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Interpret the test
Tell harmless center noise from repeatable stick drift.
The most useful drift result combines an untouched sample, a full-range movement check and a repeat test under the same conditions. One decimal reading is not enough on its own.
What controller stick drift is
Stick drift is unwanted analog input when your thumb is not moving the joystick. In a game it can make a character walk, a camera pan or a menu selection move by itself. The browser exposes horizontal and vertical axis values; this test combines them into a radial distance from center so direction and severity are easier to compare.
How to run the untouched test
Place the controller on a stable surface, press a button to wake the Gamepad API and release both sticks completely. Reset the session and watch the points for at least five seconds without touching the controller. Record current and peak drift, then repeat after rotating each stick around its full edge and letting it return naturally.
How to interpret drift percentage
A perfectly fixed 0.000 center is uncommon because analog sensors contain small mechanical and electrical variation. Movement that stays comfortably inside the deadzone used by your game may have no visible effect. Consistent input that crosses the threshold, favors one direction or prevents the stick from returning to the same center is more meaningful than a single brief spike.
Deadzone is a filter, not a repair
A deadzone tells software to ignore a central area of stick movement. Increasing it can stop small drift from moving a character, but it also removes fine aim near the center and does not fix the underlying sensor. Use the smallest value that remains stable, then confirm the setting inside the game because every title can apply a different response curve.
Common causes of controller drift
Possible causes include wear in potentiometers, dust or contamination, a damaged stick module, calibration data, firmware behavior and physical pressure while the controller is stored. Hall-effect and TMR sticks reduce some wear mechanisms but can still be miscalibrated or damaged. A browser test can show the symptom; it cannot identify the internal component with certainty.
What to do after drift is confirmed
Update firmware, use the manufacturer's supported calibration process and retest before opening the controller. Compare USB and Bluetooth, another browser and another computer when possible. If the same directional movement repeatedly escapes a reasonable deadzone, check warranty or professional repair options. Opening, spraying or replacing parts can damage hardware and may affect warranty coverage.
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Straight answers
Frequently asked questions
What is controller stick drift?
Stick drift is unwanted analog input while the joystick is at rest. It can make a character or camera move without a deliberate command and can come from worn components, contamination, calibration, firmware or a deadzone that is too small for that controller.
How much stick drift is normal?
A perfectly centered 0.000 reading is uncommon. Small stable movement inside the deadzone may be harmless, while repeatable movement that crosses the game's threshold is more likely to affect play. Judge the pattern, direction and in-game behavior together rather than relying on one universal percentage.
Can this website fix stick drift?
No. The controller drift test helps diagnose and compare the signal. Firmware updates and official calibration may correct some cases, while cleaning or hardware repair should follow the manufacturer's guidance and warranty terms.
Why does the result change between browsers?
Browsers and operating systems may expose controller mappings, axis values and update timing differently. Compare results using the same browser, connection, cable and port, then use another setup only as a deliberate cross-check.
Can I test PS5, Xbox and Switch controllers?
Yes, when the operating system and browser expose the controller through the Gamepad API. Xbox, DualSense, DualShock, Switch Pro and many PC gamepads work over USB or Bluetooth, although mapping and extra controls can vary.
Should I test with USB or Bluetooth?
Start with the connection you use for gaming, then compare a direct USB connection if results are inconsistent. The resting stick position should be repeatable across connections; radio interference is more likely to cause unstable delivery than a fixed directional offset.