Typing Speed Test

Typing speed is measured in words per minute (WPM), where one “word” is 5 characters. Type the passage below as fast and accurately as you can; the timer starts with your first key.

How to take the typing test

1. Choose 30 seconds, 1 minute or 2 minutes.
2. Click in the box and start typing the passage. The clock starts with your first key.
3. Green letters are correct, red ones are mistakes. You can fix errors with Backspace.
4. When time is up you get your WPM, accuracy and error count. Press New text to try again.

How WPM is calculated

A standard “word” is 5 characters, including spaces, so long and short words count fairly.

• Gross WPM = (characters typed ÷ 5) ÷ minutes.
• Net WPM = gross WPM − (uncorrected errors ÷ minutes).
• Accuracy = correct characters ÷ characters typed × 100%.

Example: 250 characters in 1 minute with 5 errors: gross = 250 ÷ 5 = 50 WPM, net = 50 − 5 = 45 WPM, accuracy = 245 ÷ 250 = 98%.

How to type faster

• Keep your fingers on the home row (A S D F and J K L 😉 and use all ten fingers.
• Look at the screen, not the keyboard.
• Aim for accuracy first; speed follows. Fixing errors costs more time than typing slowly.
• Practice for a few minutes every day rather than once a week.

Typing speed math quiz: 10 questions

Test yourself with 10 multiple-choice questions. Choose an answer and press Submit to see if you are right and why. Your score appears at the end.

Frequently asked questions

What is a good typing speed?

It depends on your needs. For school and everyday work, typing steadily with high accuracy matters more than raw speed. Track your own WPM over time to see progress.

What is the difference between gross and net WPM?

Gross WPM counts everything you typed. Net WPM subtracts a word for each uncorrected error, so it rewards accuracy.

Why can I not paste the text?

Pasting is blocked so the test measures your typing, not copying.

Do spaces count as characters?

Yes. Spaces and punctuation count, which is why the standard word is 5 characters.

Is a longer test more accurate?

Yes. A 1- or 2-minute test smooths out a slow start or a single mistake better than 30 seconds.

Sources

• Wikipedia: Words per minute

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