Testing a normal gamepad? The main gamepad tester shows it in a controller-shaped layout.
- Each axis runs from -1.00 to 1.00, with 0.00 in the middle.
- A healthy axis reaches close to ±1.00 at the ends and moves without jumps.
- Throttles have no spring and stay where you leave them. That's normal.
- Arcade sticks are digital and usually show up as the D-pad or a hat switch.
What can you test here?
| Device | What to check |
|---|---|
| Gamepad analog sticks | Smooth movement, full range, return to center |
| Flight sticks | X/Y range, twist (rudder) axis, trigger and hat switch |
| HOTAS (stick + throttle) | Throttle travel from end to end, every button on both parts |
| Rudder pedals | Smooth travel, and both pedals moving the right way |
| Arcade and fight sticks | All 8 directions, every button, no missed presses |
How to use the joystick tester
- Plug in the device. Most joysticks and HOTAS use USB. Install the maker's driver first if they offer one.
- Press any button so the browser sees it.
- Move each axis slowly from end to end. Watch the bar fill from -1 to 1. The min and max values show how far each axis reached.
- Let go and watch it center. Springs should bring the stick back to about 0. A throttle has no spring and stays where you left it. That's normal.
- Press every button and the hat switch. Each should light once per press.
How to read axis values
Each axis runs from -1.00 to 1.00, with 0.00 in the middle. A throttle or pedal may run from -1 to 1 too, so half-throttle reads close to 0.
Here's what a healthy axis looks like:
- Reaches -1.00 and 1.00 at the two ends (or very close, like 0.98).
- Moves smoothly, with no sudden jumps.
- Returns to about 0.00 when a spring-loaded stick is released.
Warning signs:
- Jumpy values while you move slowly. That points to a dirty or worn sensor.
- Can't reach the end. The range may need calibrating.
- Sits off-center when released. See the stick drift test and controller calibration.
Testing an analog stick on a gamepad
Move the stick in slow, full circles. The dot should trace a round path that touches the edge of the circle all the way around. Then release it from each side and check that it snaps back to center.
For a deeper look at how round your stick's movement is, use the deadzone and circularity test.
Testing a HOTAS or flight stick
Flight gear has more axes than a gamepad, and the browser may show them in an unexpected order. Move one part at a time and note which axis moves. A common layout:
| Part | Usually shows as |
|---|---|
| Stick left/right | A0 |
| Stick forward/back | A1 |
| Throttle | A2 or A3 |
| Twist (rudder) | A5 or another high axis |
| Hat switch | An axis, or four buttons |
The exact numbers depend on your device and browser. That's normal, as long as every part moves something. Some HOTAS sets show the stick and throttle as two separate devices; each one gets its own tab at the top of the tester.
Testing an arcade or fight stick
Arcade sticks are digital. They don't measure how far you push, only which way. So they usually show up as the D-pad, not as an analog stick.
- Push the stick in all 8 directions, one at a time. Each should light only its own direction, or two for a diagonal.
- Spin the stick in quick circles. No direction should get "stuck".
- Press each button fast, 20 times. Count the lights. A missed press means a worn button or a loose wire. The button test counts them for you.
Many fight sticks have a mode switch (PS, Xbox/PC, Switch). Set it to PC or XInput mode for the most reliable test.
Joystick not detected?
- Use a USB port directly on the computer, not a hub.
- Install the maker's driver or software if there is one.
- On Windows, type joy.cpl in the Start menu. If the device isn't listed there, the computer can't see it.
- Close flight sim or joystick software that might take over the device, then refresh this page.
- Try Chrome or Edge.
Joystick tester FAQ
Does this work with Thrustmaster, Logitech and VKB devices?
In most cases, yes. If the computer sees the device as a game controller, the browser can read it. Some extra buttons or axes may not show up.
Why does my throttle show the wrong direction?
Some throttles report forward as -1 and back as 1. That's how the device is built, not a fault. Games let you invert it.
Why doesn't my rudder twist show up?
Some browsers only report the first few axes. Try Chrome or Edge, and check the device's software for a setting that combines or splits axes.
Can I calibrate my joystick here?
This page shows the values so you can check a calibration. To change the calibration, use the maker's software or Windows' Game Controllers window (joy.cpl > Properties). See controller calibration.
Is a joystick tester the same as a gamepad tester?
They use the same browser feature. A gamepad tester draws a controller layout. A joystick tester shows every axis as a bar, which works better for flight sticks and other devices with many axes.