How long after a positive ovulation test do you ovulate?

It’s not an exact science, but you can expect to ovulate about 12-24 hours after a positive ovulation test. There are six days in the month that are considered your most fertile days. "The 'fertile window' for conception is defined as the five days leading up to the day of ovulation and is the time frame when the viability of both eggs and sperm should be maximal," says Dr. Thornton. "It is estimated that the fertilizable life of the human egg lasts up to 24 [hours] post ovulation and that sperm can survive up to five days in the reproductive tract. The majority of sperm is believed to survive 48-72 hours, which is why intercourse is most likely to result in pregnancy when it occurs within the three-day interval ending on the day of ovulation." Knowing how long sperm is believed to survive will help you understand when it's best to try to conceive. "This is also why a couple does not necessarily have to have intercourse on the actual day of ovulation to be able to conceive, but it needs to occur at some point in the fertile window," Dr. Thornton explains.

What is the best time to test ovulation?

You can test for ovulation at any time of the day, but experts suggest the morning, as it may give you the best results. If your typical menstrual cycle is 28 days, you would perform an ovulation test 10 or 14 days after starting your period. "Ovulation occurs 14 days prior to the onset of menstrual bleeding (the period)," says Dr. Gersh. "For [people] with a 28-day cycle, it usually occurs 14 days into the cycle (mid-cycle)." You may even be able to tell when your ovulation is happening by changes to your body. "Some can tell ovulation is occurring by the change of their cervical mucous and an increased sex drive," Dr. Gersh explains.

How long after ovulation can you take a pregnancy test?

For the most accurate results, wait until at least seven days after ovulation to ensure the hCG levels are high enough to give a positive test. However, this can also depend on your menstrual cycle because while most people ovulate 10 to 14 days before their menses, some are irregular. "For example, most [menstruating people] with 28 (day) cycles will ovulate somewhere around the 14th day of their cycle or approximately two (weeks) into their cycle. This can vary from cycle to cycle," Dr. Thornton says. "Those with shorter menstrual cycles typically ovulate sooner in their cycle and women with longer cycles often ovulate later. If a [person] does not have regular menstrual cycles this can sometimes be a sign that they are not ovulating and always warrants an evaluation with a gynecologist or fertility specialist."

Can an ovulation test detect pregnancy?

In short yes, ovulation tests can detect pregnancy but they are meant to predict ovulation and should be used for that. The hormones that ovulation tests and pregnancy tests are looking for have different functions in the body, but their structures are very similar. To put it simply, ovulation tests are meant to tell you when you're ovulating; they're not designed to tell you when you're pregnant. "OPKs test your urine for a surge of a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH), which normally occurs 24-36 (hours) prior to ovulation," Dr. Thornton describes. "Some kits also measure a hormone called estrogen, which increases as an egg is growing and can help predict 'high fertility' days prior to the 'peak' or 'surge.'"

How much does an ovulation test cost?

The cost of ovulation tests will vary widely depending on the additional features it includes. Basic tests like the Wondfo ovulation test strips or the iProven ovulation predictor kit can run between $15 and $20. The price for wearables and high-tech devices, such as the Clearblue fertility monitor and the Ava fertility bracelet , can range between $100 and $300 and require additional expenses, such as a subscription or test strips (sold separately).

The 8 Best Ovulation Tests of 2023

If you're trying to conceive or just want to get a better understanding of your cycle, ovulation strips are an easy and affordable way to do so in the comfort of your own home. Depending on where you are in your trying to conceive journey, you may also want to check in with your doctor to help advise you on your overall health.

Reviewed & Approved

The Clearblue Digital Ovulation Predictor Kit earned the top spot on our list because it's easy to use and read, and promises 99% accuracy. If you prefer a non-digital option, we recommend the Easy@Home 50 Ovulation Test Strips and 20 Pregnancy Test Strips Combo Kit.

Felice Gersh, MD, an OB-GYN and founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, in Irvine, California, and the author of PCOS SOS Fertility Fast Track, explains that "ovulation normally occurs in reproductive-aged women, not taking hormonal contraception, on a monthly basis." Dr. Gersh continues, "ovulation is essential for successful procreation and is the release of the oocyte (the egg) from the ovary designated to release the egg that month." We carefully looked at readability options, value, ease of use, and sensitivity when reviewing products.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Clearblue Digital Ovulation Predictor Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best App:

Easy@Home Ovulation Test Strips and Pregnancy Test Strips Combo Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Strips:

PREGMATE Ovulation and Pregnancy Test Strips Predictor Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Most Comprehensive:

Modern Fertility Ovulation Test at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Wondfo Ovulation Test Strips and Pregnancy Test Strips Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Smart:

Clearblue Fertility Monitor at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Ovulation and Pregnancy Test Kit:

iProven Ovulation Predictor Kit at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Wearable Ovulation Tracker:

Ava Fertility Tracker at Avawomen.com

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Selected
What to Look For
FAQs
Why Trust Verywell Family

4.9

Amazon

Pros

Smiley face is fun + simple to read
Convenient
OB-GYN recommended

Cons

Expensive
Lots of plastic waste

These tests from Clearblue top our list for their accuracy, ease of use, and value for the cost. They promise 99% accuracy, and it takes just three minutes for results to appear.

Reading an ovulation test has never been easier, thanks to the product's simple and easy-to-read results. There are no lines to interpret: a smiley face appears when you’re at your most fertile window (when your luteinizing hormone or LH surges).

There are 20 tests included in the kit. To use, urinate on one of them, then insert it into the reusable monitor for your results. If you struggle with urinating on the stick, you can opt to urinate in a cup and insert the tip into the container.

Price at time of publication: $33

^{Key Specs:
Quantity of Tests: 20 | Time: 3 to 5 minutes | Format: Strip | App: No}

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

Affordable
Includes pregnancy tests
Scan results from your phone

Cons

Hard to take photos for scanning
Time-consuming

Trying to get pregnant? Of course, there’s an app for that. This kit from Easy@Home works much like other ovulation predictor kits in that you dip the test strips in urine and wait to see if your LH level is surging, meaning your chances of getting pregnant soon are at their peak. It comes with 50 ovulation tests and 20 pregnancy tests as well.

What sets this kit apart is that you can download the company’s app and get digital test results on your phone. It also allows you to track your menstrual cycle and symptoms, giving you the best picture of your fertility possible.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Quantity of Tests: 50 | Time: 3 to 5 minutes | Format: Strip | App: Yes}

Courtesy of Walmart

Pros

Kits come in different quantities
Budget-friendly

Cons

Lines are hard to read

If you don’t want to mess with a monitor, these ovulation strips from Pregmate provide a straightforward way to determine when you’re at your most fertile. They measure your LH and let you know when you’ll be having a surge. The number of tests you'll need each month will depend on the length of your cycle, but this kit contains 50 tests, so you’ll be set for a while. It also includes 20 strips to test for pregnancy, which is a nice bonus.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Quantity of Tests: 20 | Time: 5 minutes | Format: Strip | App: No}

Courtesy of Modern Fertility

Pros

Subscription available
App + strips are well designed
Includes access to fertility experts

Cons

Can be hard to scan strips

If you want to go one step beyond generic test strips, Modern Fertility has you covered. This test goes a step further and helps you predict which two days in the month you will be the most fertile in combination with their app.

To use, you'll pee in a cup first thing in the morning like most tests, but instead of getting a positive (you are fertile now) vs. negative (you are not fertile now), you will take a picture within the app to help predict and keep track of your cycle.

If you want to go one step further in getting a read on your cycle, the Modern Fertility Hormone Test is a comprehensive at-home test that will get a read on your hormones.

Price at time of publication: $16

^{Key Specs:
Quantity of Tests: 20 | Time: 5 minutes | Format: Strip | App: Yes}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Sealed individually
Includes pregnancy tests

Cons

Not very sensitive

These ovulation tests from Wondfo have neither bells nor whistles, but they will help you determine when you’re most fertile. There are 50 strips included, so they’ll last you quite a while.

To use, you collect some urine and dip one of the strips. After three to five minutes, it will let you know if your LH is surging, meaning your chances of conception are at their highest.

When it comes to cost, this product gives you the most bang for your buck. With 50 strips and a bonus of 20 pregnancy test strips, you'll only be spending about $15 or less.

Price at time of publication: $20

^{Key Specs:
Quantity of Tests: 50 | Time: 3 to 5 minutes | Format: Strip | App: No}

Courtesy of Amazon

Pros

Stores 6 cycles of data
Touch screen monitor

Cons

Test strips sold separately
Expensive

If you like the latest and greatest technology for every aspect of your life, this Clearblue monitor may be the right choice. It helps you detect not only your LH levels, like most ovulation tests, but your estrogen as well and gives you a rating each day that evaluates your fertility—low, high, or peak.

It promises to identify three times more fertile days per month for users so that the odds of conceiving a baby increase. It also stores your cycle information for up to six cycles, so you can compare and look for any patterns or differences.

To use, you push a button each month when your period begins, then each day thereafter, the monitor will tell you what to do—like use a test stick (sold separately). After five minutes, you’ll get a reading letting you know how fertile you are.

Price at time of publication: $119

^{Key Specs:
Quantity of Tests: Sold separately | Time: Depends on test stick | Format: Test strips sold separately | App: No, monitor stores information}

Courtesy of iProven

Pros

Affordable
Large quantity
Includes pregnancy test kits

Cons

No app for tracking

While tracking your ovulation cycle, you'll also want to track whether or not you’re pregnant if you're trying to conceive. This kit from iProven contains tests for both. There are 50 ovulation and 20 pregnancy test strips, so this set will go the distance.

Regarding sensitivity, these ovulation and pregnancy test strips fit the bill. The tests measure at 25 mIU/ml, which is in the perfect range for detecting the hormone that tells you when you're at your peak of being most fertile.

The kit also promises a 99% accuracy rate, so you won't have to second guess the results. The easy-to-use test features a line result, with a single line representing a negative result and a double line representing a positive result.

Price at time of publication: $17

^{Key Specs:
Quantity of Tests: 50 | Time: 3 to 5 minutes | Format: Strips | App: No}

Courtesy of Ava

Pros

Convenient
No peeing on strips
Recognizes 5 possible conception days

Cons

Not for women with irregular cycles

The Ava Fertility Tracker takes trying to conceive to a more efficient level. The built-in technology allows you to identify your most fertile five-day window and your peak days right before ovulation. With greater precision in predicting your most fertile time, Ava is clinically proven to help you conceive.

This wearable device works by collecting your important data and vitals while you sleep and when synced with the app, it can deliver an accurate fertility window.

Price at time of publication: from $279

^{Key Specs:
Quantity of Tests: Unlimited | Time: Real-time (wear watch at night) | Format: Digital Watch | App: Yes}

How We Selected the Best Ovulation Tests

We chose the best ovulation tests by studying the design and features of more than 15 tests on the market. We also researched reviews from customers and competitors while monitoring shopping trends to bring you the best and most up-to-date offers on ovulation tests. We considered sensitivity, readability, quantity, time, and value when reviewing products.

Additionally, we spoke with Felice Gersh, MD, an OB-GYN and founder and director of the Integrative Medical Group of Irvine, in Irvine, California, and the author of PCOS SOS Fertility Fast Track, and Kimberley Thornton, MD, FACOG, Assistant Professor of Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Reproductive Medicine Associates of NY, on what to look for in an ovulation test.

What to Look for in an Ovulation Test

Sensitivity

Ovulation tests measure LH, or luteinizing hormone, to determine when you’re most fertile. Tests will detect when that hormone is at its peak, predicting when you’re most likely ovulating. As for sensitivity levels, a test with a 20-50 IU/L(international units per liter) will typically capture the surge of LH.

The usual range for LH levels is 1.9-13.6 IU/L, but when a woman is fertile, that number can reach as high as 118 IU/L. The sensitivity level should be written on the test or in the description of the product online.

While many women want to drink a lot of water before testing, this is actually a big no-no. "Drinking lots of water prior to testing can also dilute LH in the urine and make it harder to pick up a positive surge," Dr. Thornton explains. "It is best to avoid large water intake prior to testing to avoid false-negative results."

Cost

When shopping for ovulation tests, it’s important to consider the price of the tests and how many you’ll receive in a pack. If you’re looking for something on the lower end of the price range, ovulation test strips are typically around $15 to $25.

"The cheapest form are simply strips of paper typically with 2 lines, a control line and a test line," says Dr. Thornton. "They require you to determine if the test line is darker than the control line. This can be difficult for some women to interpret especially if you don’t get a strong LH surge."

Digital tests will cost you more and are usually between $30 to $60. You can also look at the price per test in a pack to help you make your decision. "There are many different OPK (ovulation predictor kits) kits available with a wide range in how difficult or easy they are to interpret," mentions Dr. Thornton. "The most expensive variety of predictor kits are digital where the test strips are interpreted for you."

Readability

From digital to strips to apps, ovulation tests come with many different result images, but some of them can be hard to read. Digital tests may have a smiley face while strips will show you lines. More modern and tech-forward options allow you to scan your results through an app for ultra-clear results. Depending on your comfort level, you'll want to choose a test you feel confident reading.

You can also monitor your cervical mucus and basal body temperature chart, Dr. Thornton recommends. "Your body’s basal temperature increases minimally when you’re ovulating and can help confirm that ovulation has occurred," she says. "To track this, a woman must check their temperature each morning at the same time before getting out of bed and plot it on a chart. When you ovulate, the hormone progesterone causes your temperature to rise approximately 0.5 °F."

Frequently Asked Questions

How long after a positive ovulation test do you ovulate?

It’s not an exact science, but you can expect to ovulate about 12-24 hours after a positive ovulation test. There are six days in the month that are considered your most fertile days.
"The 'fertile window' for conception is defined as the five days leading up to the day of ovulation and is the time frame when the viability of both eggs and sperm should be maximal," says Dr. Thornton. "It is estimated that the fertilizable life of the human egg lasts up to 24 [hours] post ovulation and that sperm can survive up to five days in the reproductive tract. The majority of sperm is believed to survive 48-72 hours, which is why intercourse is most likely to result in pregnancy when it occurs within the three-day interval ending on the day of ovulation."
Knowing how long sperm is believed to survive will help you understand when it's best to try to conceive. "This is also why a couple does not necessarily have to have intercourse on the actual day of ovulation to be able to conceive, but it needs to occur at some point in the fertile window," Dr. Thornton explains.
What is the best time to test ovulation?

You can test for ovulation at any time of the day, but experts suggest the morning, as it may give you the best results. If your typical menstrual cycle is 28 days, you would perform an ovulation test 10 or 14 days after starting your period. "Ovulation occurs 14 days prior to the onset of menstrual bleeding (the period)," says Dr. Gersh. "For [people] with a 28-day cycle, it usually occurs 14 days into the cycle (mid-cycle)."
You may even be able to tell when your ovulation is happening by changes to your body. "Some can tell ovulation is occurring by the change of their cervical mucous and an increased sex drive," Dr. Gersh explains.
How long after ovulation can you take a pregnancy test?

For the most accurate results, wait until at least seven days after ovulation to ensure the hCG levels are high enough to give a positive test. However, this can also depend on your menstrual cycle because while most people ovulate 10 to 14 days before their menses, some are irregular.
"For example, most [menstruating people] with 28 (day) cycles will ovulate somewhere around the 14th day of their cycle or approximately two (weeks) into their cycle. This can vary from cycle to cycle," Dr. Thornton says. "Those with shorter menstrual cycles typically ovulate sooner in their cycle and women with longer cycles often ovulate later. If a [person] does not have regular menstrual cycles this can sometimes be a sign that they are not ovulating and always warrants an evaluation with a gynecologist or fertility specialist."
Can an ovulation test detect pregnancy?

In short yes, ovulation tests can detect pregnancy but they are meant to predict ovulation and should be used for that. The hormones that ovulation tests and pregnancy tests are looking for have different functions in the body, but their structures are very similar.
To put it simply, ovulation tests are meant to tell you when you're ovulating; they're not designed to tell you when you're pregnant. "OPKs test your urine for a surge of a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH), which normally occurs 24-36 (hours) prior to ovulation," Dr. Thornton describes. "Some kits also measure a hormone called estrogen, which increases as an egg is growing and can help predict 'high fertility' days prior to the 'peak' or 'surge.'"
How much does an ovulation test cost?

The cost of ovulation tests will vary widely depending on the additional features it includes. Basic tests like the Wondfo ovulation test strips or the iProven ovulation predictor kit can run between $15 and $20. The price for wearables and high-tech devices, such as the Clearblue fertility monitor and the Ava fertility bracelet, can range between $100 and $300 and require additional expenses, such as a subscription or test strips (sold separately).

Why Trust Verywell Family

Deanna McCormack is a copywriter and freelance writer who covers beauty, fitness and parenting for a number of outlets. She’s a mom to an infant and 2-year and well-versed in all things related to motherhood and pregnancy.

Additional reporting by Ashley Ziegler

Best Overall

Clearblue Digital Ovulation Predictor Kit

Best App

Easy@Home 50 Ovulation Test Strips and 20 Pregnancy Test Strips Combo Kit

Best Strips

PREGMATE 50 Ovulation and 20 Pregnancy Test Strips Predictor Kit

Most Comprehensive

Modern Fertility Ovulation Test

Best Budget

Wondfo 50 Ovulation Test Strips and 20 Pregnancy Test Strips Kit

Best Smart

Clearblue Fertility Monitor, Touch Screen, 1 Count

Best Ovulation and Pregnancy Test Kit

iProven Ovulation Predictor Kit

Best Wearable Ovulation Tracker

Ava Fertility Tracker