Lag

Updated: 04/12/2021 by Computer Hope

Lag may refer to any of the following:

Lag in three-dimensional black and white lettering

1. In general, lag is the time difference between a performed task and its result. For example, the fraction-of-a-second pause between when a keyboard key is pressed and when it appears.

2. In gaming, lag refers to any noticeable slow response in an online game due to high latency or a poor connection. For example, on a slow Internet connection, your character or the environment they're in may stutter.

Tip

If lag only happens temporarily, it's called a lag spike.

Note

Lag often refers to issues with an Internet or network connection. However, it may also describe any slow game or program performance.

Buffer, FPS, Game terms, Response time, Slow, Spike