diff --git a/tools/perf/builtin-top.c b/tools/perf/builtin-top.c
index 37512e936235..a1b1d10912dc 100644
--- a/tools/perf/builtin-top.c
+++ b/tools/perf/builtin-top.c
@@ -686,6 +686,8 @@ static void handle_keypress(int c)
 	switch (c) {
 		case 'd':
 			prompt_integer(&delay_secs, "Enter display delay");
+			if (delay_secs < 1)
+				delay_secs = 1;
 			break;
 		case 'e':
 			prompt_integer(&print_entries, "Enter display entries (lines)");