How to Check Internet Speed: Internet Speed Tests and How To Read Them

Ever find yourself wondering, "how fast is my Internet really?" Whether you’re streaming, gaming, working, or video calling, the speed and reliability of your Internet connection can make or break your experience. That’s why knowing how to check Internet speed and understanding what the numbers mean is essential. Let’s break down how Internet speed tests work, what all the technical terms mean, and how you can make sense of your results.

The Importance of Understanding Your Internet Speed

Your Internet connection affects how smoothly you can browse, stream, or game. Running an Internet speed test can give you a quick view of your connection’s performance, whether that’s because you are having issues or are simply interested in knowing. It answers the question many of us have typed at some point: what is my Internet speed? Knowing your actual speed compared to what your plan offers helps you troubleshoot problems, avoid buffering, and figure out if you need an upgrade. It also empowers you to talk to your Internet provider when something isn’t working right.

What Do Terms in Speed Tests Mean?

Speed test results come with a few terms that may look confusing at first. Let’s break them down so they’re easy to understand.

What is Ping?

Ping measures how quickly your device can talk to another device over the Internet and get a response. Think of it like sending a text and waiting for a “got it!” reply. The time between sending and receiving that reply is your ping, and it’s measured in milliseconds (ms). The smaller the number, the faster the connection. If your ping is 20ms, that means it takes 20 milliseconds for your device to send a request to a server (like a gaming server or website) and hear back.

Why does this matter? Because:

• In online gaming, low ping means faster reaction time. High ping makes your character lag behind.
• In video calls, high ping can cause delays or awkward talking-over-each-other moments.
• In web browsing, it’s less noticeable, but it can still affect how smooth things feel.

What is Jitter?

Jitter is the measure of how inconsistent your Internet connection is when sending or receiving data. In simple terms, it tells you how much the delay (or ping) bounces around from one moment to the next. Even if your average ping is low, high jitter means the connection is unstable. Sometimes it’s fast, other times it’s slower, and that variation can cause problems.

• On a video call, high jitter can cause choppy audio, frozen screens, or people talking over each other because the data isn’t arriving in a steady flow.
• In online games, jitter can make your actions feel delayed or inconsistent. One second your controls are smooth, the next it’s glitchy.
• Even streaming can be affected if your connection keeps shifting. It might cause buffering or reduced quality.

A jitter score under 30ms is usually acceptable for most Internet activities, but under 10ms is ideal, especially for anything that requires live interaction.

What is Download Speed?

Download speed shows how fast data moves from the Internet to your device. It’s measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Streaming Netflix, loading websites, or receiving files all depend on good download speed. Higher download speed means you can stream in HD or 4K, download large files quickly, and scroll social media without delays.

For example:

• Watching Netflix in HD or 4K? That data is downloading to your screen in real-time.
• Opening Instagram? All the images and videos are downloaded as you scroll.
• Updating apps or downloading software? That’s all tied to your download speed.

What is Upload Speed?

Upload speed is the opposite of download. It shows how fast data moves from your device to the Internet. Also measured in Mbps, it matters when you’re sending emails with attachments, uploading videos, or joining Zoom calls.

If you work from home, game online, or share content regularly, higher upload speeds help everything run smoothly.

• Sending emails with large attachments
• Uploading videos or photos to social media or cloud storage
• Video conferencing or Zoom calls (especially in HD)
• Online gaming, where real-time data is constantly being sent out
• Game updates, when you see “copying update file,” this is upload speed

What to Understand About Your Internet Speed Test

Speed test results are a snapshot of your connection at that moment, influenced by several factors. Here’s what you should consider when reading your results:

• Multiple devices impact results: If several phones, laptops, or smart TVs are using the Internet while you run a test, it can slow things down. It’s like splitting a pizza. More people, smaller slices. For the most accurate results, pause streaming or downloads on other devices while testing.
• Wi-Fi vs. wired connections: A test run on Wi-Fi may show slower speeds due to distance from the router or signal interference. Testing with a wired Ethernet connection gives the clearest view of your Internet speed.
• Time of day matters: Internet speeds can vary depending on how many people in your area are online. For instance, speeds may dip during the evening when everyone’s streaming or gaming.
• Device limitations: Older devices may not support the highest speeds available. Even if your Internet plan is fast, your device might not keep up.

Understanding these factors helps you get a more realistic picture of how your connection is performing and whether your plan is meeting your needs.

Test Your Speed Easily With Buckeye Broadband

Want to know how fast your Internet is? Try the Buckeye Broadband Speed Test to see Internet speed in seconds. If your results are falling short or if your needs have grown since you started your plan, it might be time to upgrade. Check out Buckeye Broadband’s Internet packages to find a speed that fits your lifestyle, whether you're streaming in 4K, gaming competitively, or working remotely. Our team is here to help you stay connected with the speed you need.