Typing Speed Test

Test your typing speed and accuracy. See your WPM, track progress over time, and compare against average speeds.

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30 second test · Common words

Typing Speed Benchmarks

  • Beginner: Under 30 WPM - hunt-and-peck typists
  • Average: 35-45 WPM - most casual computer users
  • Intermediate: 45-60 WPM - comfortable with touch typing
  • Proficient: 60-80 WPM - fast and accurate typist
  • Advanced: 80-100 WPM - professional-level speed
  • Expert: 100+ WPM - competitive typist territory

How WPM Is Measured

Words per minute uses a standardized "word" length of 5 characters (including spaces). This normalizes for different word lengths across languages and texts.

Net WPM = ((All Correct Characters / 5) / Time in Minutes). Raw WPM = ((All Typed Characters / 5) / Time in Minutes). Net WPM is the standard measure used for comparison.

Tips to Improve Your Speed

  1. Learn proper finger placement on the home row (ASDF JKL;)
  2. Never look at the keyboard while typing
  3. Practice consistently for 15-20 minutes daily
  4. Focus on accuracy over speed - speed follows naturally
  5. Use all ten fingers and minimize hand movement
  6. Maintain good posture with relaxed wrists
  7. Practice with different text types to build versatility

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good typing speed?+
A good typing speed for casual typists is around 40-50 WPM. Professional typists typically reach 65-75 WPM, while expert typists can exceed 100 WPM. For most office jobs, 50-60 WPM is considered proficient.
How is WPM calculated?+
WPM (Words Per Minute) is calculated by dividing the total number of characters typed by 5 (the standard word length) and then dividing by the time elapsed in minutes. Net WPM subtracts errors, while gross/raw WPM counts all keystrokes.
What is the average typing speed?+
The average typing speed is approximately 40 WPM for casual computer users. Students and professionals who type regularly average around 50-60 WPM. Touch typists who have practiced typically reach 60-80 WPM.
How can I type faster?+
To improve your typing speed: learn touch typing (using all fingers without looking), practice daily for at least 15 minutes, focus on accuracy first then speed, use proper posture, and take typing tests regularly to track progress.
What is the difference between gross WPM and net WPM?+
Gross (raw) WPM counts all keystrokes you make divided by 5, regardless of accuracy. Net WPM only counts correctly typed characters divided by 5. Net WPM gives a more accurate representation of your effective typing speed.
Is 40 WPM good?+
40 WPM is around average for casual typists and is adequate for most general computer use. However, for professional roles that involve heavy typing, you would benefit from improving to 50-60+ WPM. With practice, most people can reach this level.
What is the fastest typing speed ever recorded?+
The fastest typing speed ever recorded is 216 WPM, achieved by Stella Pajunas in 1946 on an IBM electric typewriter. In modern times, competitive typists on platforms like TypeRacer and Monkeytype regularly exceed 150-200 WPM in short bursts.
How accurate should I be when typing?+
You should aim for at least 95% accuracy, with 97-99% being ideal. High accuracy is more important than raw speed because errors slow you down with corrections. Focus on accuracy first; speed will naturally follow with practice.

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