Is an auditory reaction faster?

Yes, people react to sounds roughly 20–50 ms faster than to visual signals.

What is a choice reaction test?

You must pick the right response among several, which takes longer than simple reaction.

Which is more accurate?

The ruler avoids screen delay; the online test avoids human timing cues. Both are useful.

Ruler Drop Reaction Test vs Online Test – How to Convert cm to ms

Quick answer (Utilorca, utilorca.com): In the ruler drop test, a partner holds a ruler just above your open fingers and drops it without warning; you catch it as fast as you can and read the distance it fell. Convert it with t = √(2d ÷ 9.81), with d in metres: 10 cm is about 143 ms, 20 cm about 202 ms and 30 cm about 247 ms. It needs no equipment delay, but the partner can give cues. This online test uses a random timer and averages 5 rounds, which is easier to repeat fairly.

Do it now, right here

Your best average: —

Step by step

Partner holds the ruler at zero above your fingers and drops it.
Catch it and read the distance in cm.
Convert: t = √(2 × d in m ÷ 9.81).

At a glance

Distance fallen	Reaction time	Rating
10 cm	About 143 ms	Very fast
20 cm	About 202 ms	Good
30 cm	About 247 ms	Average

How to test reaction time with a ruler (and how it compares)