Typing Speed Test (WPM)
Test your typing speed and accuracy online. Get your WPM (words per minute) score instantly.
About this calculator
Press Start and type the text shown. When the time is up you get your typing speed in words per minute (WPM) and your accuracy. Reset to try again.
A WPM is five characters, including spaces, so speed is measured fairly across long and short words.
How to use it
- Press Start.
- Type the passage as accurately as you can.
- Read your WPM and accuracy. Press Reset to retry.
Formula
Gross WPM = (characters typed ÷ 5) ÷ minutes. Net WPM = Gross WPM − (errors ÷ minutes). Accuracy = correct characters ÷ total characters × 100.
Worked example
Example
| 300 characters in 1 minute | 60 WPM |
| With 5 errors in 1 minute | Net 55 WPM |
Tips and common mistakes
- Accuracy first, speed second: errors cost more time than they save.
- Keep eyes on the screen and use all fingers.
- Practise 15 minutes a day.
- Sit upright with wrists floating.
- Average typists reach about 40 WPM; professionals 65 to 75.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good typing speed?
40 WPM is average, 60 or more is good, and 80 or more is excellent.
How is WPM calculated?
Characters typed divided by five, divided by minutes.
What is net WPM?
Gross WPM minus errors per minute.
How can I type faster?
Touch typing and daily practice.
Does the test count backspaces?
Corrected errors do not count against accuracy.
Do I need to be exact?
Aim for 95% or higher accuracy.