How do I get the most accurate speed test results?

For the most accurate results, run a speed test:

• When competing network activity approximates test day
• In the same rooms used on test day
• On the same network test takers will use

To account for normal fluctuation, run the test several times in each room. For complete instructions, go to Measure Network Speed in Your Building.  

Example: SAT School Day, PSAT-related assessments, and AP Exams 

A school will administer an exam to 200 of their 500 students in the gym on a Monday at 12 noon. Their results could vary depending on when and where they run the test. 

Most accurate: When the speed test is run in the gym on a typical Monday at 12 noon, the results show that 275 students can test in the building simultaneously. 

Overestimate: When the speed test is run in the library (which has better Wi-Fi) over the weekend, the results show that 350 students can test in the building simultaneously. 

Underestimate: When the speed test is run in the annex on the same Monday at 12 noon, the results show that only 100 students can test in the building simultaneously. 

Example: SAT Weekend 

Staff at a test center with the physical space to test 500 students want to check their network bandwidth. Their results could vary depending on when and where they run the test. 

Most accurate: When the speed test is run in a classroom on a typical Saturday at 8 a.m., the results show that 600 students can test in the building simultaneously. 

Overestimate: When the speed test is run in the library (which has better Wi-Fi) on a Saturday during summer vacation, the results show that 800 students can test in the building simultaneously. 

Underestimate: If the speed test is run in the annex on a typical fall Monday at 1 p.m., the results might suggest that only 400 students can test in the building simultaneously.