Typing Speed Test
Test typing speed in WPM and accuracy by typing a displayed passage.
Returns gross WPM, net WPM after errors, and error rate — average typist reaches 40 WPM.
Typing speed is measured in Words Per Minute (WPM) — the number of words typed correctly in one minute. The standard definition of a “word” in typing tests is 5 keystrokes, including spaces and punctuation.
WPM formula: WPM = (Total Characters Typed ÷ 5) ÷ Minutes
Net WPM (accounts for errors): Net WPM = Gross WPM − (Errors ÷ Minutes)
Accuracy formula: Accuracy % = (Correct Characters ÷ Total Characters Typed) × 100
Worked example: You type a 350-character passage in 2 minutes with 4 errors. Gross WPM = (350 ÷ 5) ÷ 2 = 70 ÷ 2 = 35 WPM Net WPM = 35 − (4 ÷ 2) = 35 − 2 = 33 WPM Accuracy = ((350 − 4) ÷ 350) × 100 = 98.9%
WPM benchmarks:
| Level | WPM Range |
|---|---|
| Beginner (hunt and peck) | 15–30 WPM |
| Average computer user | 40–55 WPM |
| Good typist | 60–80 WPM |
| Professional typist | 80–100 WPM |
| Top competitive typist | 120–150+ WPM |
| World record (English) | ~212 WPM |
Characters per minute (CPM): CPM = WPM × 5 A typist at 60 WPM produces 300 CPM.
Keystrokes per hour (KPH): KPH = WPM × 5 × 60 60 WPM = 18,000 KPH — a common metric used in data entry job requirements.
Improvement tip: Accuracy beats speed. Typing at 100% accuracy at 40 WPM and gradually increasing is more effective long-term than rushing at 60 WPM with 95% accuracy.