A data processing system performs a multithreaded performance benchmark with a rampup interval and a rampdown interval. The master thread signals a start test event and begins the rampup interval. After the rampup interval, the master thread signals a start measurement event. In response to the start measurement event, the worker threads record the units of work they complete. After the measurement interval, the master signals the workers to stop measuring, but to continue running. This begins the rampdown interval. After the rampdown interval, the master thread signals a stop test event. The rampup and rampdown intervals are long enough to ensure that measurements are not recorded during skew intervals. Thus, thread skew does not impact the results.