The timer frequency indicates the timer precision and resolution. For example, a timer frequency of 2 million ticks per second equals a timer resolution of 500 nanoseconds per tick. In other words, because one second equals 1 billion nanoseconds, a timer frequency of 2 million ticks per second is equivalent to 2 million ticks per 1 billion nanoseconds, which can be further simplified to 1 tick per 500 nanoseconds.

The Stopwatch.Frequency value depends on the resolution of the underlying timing mechanism. If the installed hardware and operating system support a high-resolution performance counter, then the Stopwatch.Frequency value reflects the frequency of that counter. Otherwise, the Stopwatch.Frequency value is based on the system timer frequency.

Because the System.Diagnostics.Stopwatch frequency depends on the installed hardware and operating system, the Stopwatch.Frequency value remains constant while the system is running.

Namespace: System.Diagnostics
Assembly: System (in System.dll)
Assembly Versions: 2.0.0.0, 4.0.0.0
Since: .NET 2.0