FreeGamePadTester.com · Deadzone test
Deadzone Test: find your ideal stick deadzone
You are in the right place. This free tool previews deadzones per stick and recommends a value from live sampling. Set the pad down, release the sticks, and use the tester below.
No controller detected. Press any button on your gamepad
Left stick
raw +0.00 · gated +0.00
Recommended: measuring…
Right stick
raw +0.00 · gated +0.00
Recommended: measuring…
How to read this
Release both sticks and leave the pad untouched for 5 seconds while the tester samples rest offset. The dashed circle is your deadzone. Raise the slider until gated reads +0.00 at rest, then copy that value into your game or Steam Input settings. This preview only affects this page.
How it works
How to dial in deadzone
01
Sample at rest
Set the controller on a table and do not touch the sticks for 5 seconds. The tester measures each stick rest max.
02
Apply the recommendation
Click Use it on each stick, or drag the slider until gated reads +0.00 at rest while small deliberate movements still register.
03
Copy it into your game
Mirror the value in your game deadzone setting or Steam Input. This page preview is session only, the game setting is permanent.
Guide
Deadzone vs drift vs response
Too low
Camera creeps or menus scroll with hands off. Gated still shows movement at rest. Raise the slider in 0.01 steps.
Just right
Gated reads +0.00 at rest and tiny flicks register instantly. For most healthy pads this lands between 0.05 and 0.08.
Too high
Small aim corrections do nothing and the stick feels numb near center. Lower it until micro movements register.
To map full stick travel as well, run the stick precision test.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What deadzone value should I start with?
Use the recommended value on this page, which equals your measured rest max plus 0.02. Most healthy controllers settle between 0.05 and 0.08.
Will this fix my stick drift?
It masks minor offset up to about 0.12 so games ignore phantom input. Drift above 0.12 is hardware wear that needs cleaning or module replacement.
Should left and right sticks use the same deadzone?
Not always. Sticks wear independently, so test each separately. This page samples and recommends per stick for that reason.
Where do I apply the value permanently?
In your game controller settings, Steam Input per-game calibration, or console system settings. Browser previews cannot write to your controller.