The spatial and temporal resolution of a fast-response aerodynamic pressure probe (FRAP) is investigated in a benchmark flow of grid-generated turbulence. A grid with a mesh size of $$M=6.4$$ M = 6.4 mm is tested for two different free-stream velocities, hence, resulting in Reynolds numbers of $$Re_M= \{4300,12800\}$$ R e M = { 4300 , 12800 } . A thorough analysis of the applicability of the underlying assumptions with regard to turbulence isotropy and homogeneity is carried out. Taylor’s frozen turbulence hypothesis is assumed for the calculation of deducible flow quantities, like the turbulent kinetic energy or the dissipation rate. Furthermore, besides the examination of statistical quantities, velocity spectra of measurements downstream of the grid are quantified. Results of a small fast-response five-hole pressure probe equipped with piezo-resistive differential pressure sensors are compared to single-wire hot-wire constant temperature anemometry data for two different wire lengths. Estimates of temporal and spatial turbulent scales (e.g., Taylor micro scale and Kolmogorov length scale) show good agreement to data in the literature but are affected by filtering effects. Especially in the energy spectra, very high bandwidth content cannot be resolved by the FRAP, which is mainly due to bandwidth limits in the temporal calibration of the FRAP and the minimal resolution of the integrated sensors. Graphic abstract