Typing speed test

How words per minute are calculated

In typing, a "word" is always 5 characters, spaces included, no matter how long the real words are. That lets you compare scores across different texts.

\[ \begin{gathered} \text{WPM} = \dfrac{\dfrac{\text{correct characters}}{5}}{\text{minutes}} \\ \text{accuracy} = \dfrac{\text{keystrokes} - \text{wrong keystrokes}}{\text{keystrokes}} \times 100 \end{gathered} \]

"Gross" speed counts every keystroke, while "net" speed (shown big) keeps only correct characters. Accuracy counts every mistake, even ones you fixed afterward.

Speed benchmarks

40 WPM at 98% accuracy beats 55 WPM at 85%: fixing mistakes slows you down more than you think.

Getting faster

• Look at the screen, never at the keys: rest your index fingers on F and J.
• Aim for accuracy first (95% or better), and speed follows.
• Practice 10 minutes a day rather than one hour a week.
• Keep a steady rhythm instead of typing in bursts.

Your best score is saved on this device. Nothing you type is sent anywhere.

Typing test: speed and accuracy benchmarks

A typing test gives you two numbers: speed and accuracy. So a high speed with too many errors does not really count.

Also, aim for at least 95% accuracy. Each mistake forces a correction and costs more time than the speed you gained.

Typing test: a four-week practice plan

Consistency beats length. For example, 10 minutes every day works better than one hour on Sunday.

1. Week 1: place your fingers on the home row (ASDF JKL;).
2. Week 2: type without looking at the keyboard, even if it is slower.
3. Week 3: build speed while keeping 95% accuracy.
4. Week 4: retake the test and compare it with week one.

Then switch passages every time. Otherwise, you memorize sentences instead of improving on the keys.

Typing test: common mistakes

Several habits slow your progress. However, they are fairly quick to fix.

• Looking at the keys breaks your rhythm.
• Typing too fast drives up your error count.
• Using two fingers caps your speed around 40 words per minute.
• Bending your wrists tires your hands.

Finally, to learn how many words your own text holds, use the word counter. You can also take the IQ test or the personality test for a different kind of challenge.

Typing test: choose your duration

The typing test comes in three lengths: 30, 60 and 120 seconds. Each one serves a different purpose.

So a 30-second typing test often gives a higher score, because fatigue has no time to kick in. The 120-second typing test, however, describes your real working speed better.

Typing test: posture and keyboard

Good posture raises your speed and protects your hands. So take two minutes to set up your workspace before the test.

• Sit with your back straight and your feet flat on the floor.
• Keep your forearms level and your wrists straight.
• Put the screen at eye level.
• Choose a keyboard with responsive keys.

Then take a break every 30 minutes. Hand muscles tire, and accuracy drops. Finally, if you type a lot, alternate typing with simple finger stretches.

Typing test: tracking your progress

To see whether you improve, record your results. First, take one test a week, at the same time of day. Next, write your speed and accuracy in a table. Finally, compare the last three weeks.

For example, going from 35 to 45 words per minute in two months is a good pace. Also, accuracy climbing from 92% to 97% counts as much as a speed gain. So celebrate each milestone to stay motivated over the long run.