Typing Speed Test
WPM typing speed and accuracy
What is the Typing Speed Test?
The Typing Speed Test (also called a WPM test or words per minute test) measures how many words per minute you type with what accuracy. WPM is calculated as the number of correctly typed characters divided by five (one standard word), per minute. It is the universal benchmark for keyboard productivity used by employers, typing courses, and competitive typists. Based on data across thousands of typing tests, the average user types 45–65 WPM — but regular practice consistently pushes scores higher.
How to Use
- 1Click the text field to focus it
- 2Type the displayed text as fast and accurately as you can
- 3The timer starts on your first keystroke
- 4Your WPM and accuracy are shown when you finish the passage
What is a Good Score?
The average office typist achieves 40–60 WPM in this typing speed test. Touch typists usually reach 70–90 WPM. Professional typists and programmers often exceed 100 WPM. World-record typists exceed 200 WPM. For job applications requiring a typing test, 55+ WPM with 95%+ accuracy is typically competitive.
Tips to Improve
- →Learn touch typing — keeping your eyes on the screen instead of the keyboard is the single biggest WPM improvement
- →Focus on accuracy first, speed naturally follows — typing with 99% accuracy at 60 WPM beats 80 WPM with 90% accuracy
- →Use the home row (ASDF–JKL;) as your finger anchor point for efficient key access
- →Practice with common English words first, then progress to code and punctuation-heavy texts
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good typing speed in WPM?
For everyday use, 40–60 WPM is adequate. For office work and productivity, 70–90 WPM is considered fast. Programmers and writers who type all day typically aim for 90–120 WPM in their typing speed test.
How long does it take to learn touch typing?
Most people learn the basics in 20–40 hours of practice spread over 4–8 weeks. Reaching your personal maximum speed takes consistent daily practice over several months.
Does keyboard type affect typing speed?
Yes. Mechanical keyboards with tactile or clicky switches provide physical feedback that helps accuracy. However, many world-record typists use standard membrane keyboards, so hardware has less impact than technique.
What is the difference between WPM and CPM?
WPM (Words Per Minute) counts groups of 5 characters as one word for standardization. CPM (Characters Per Minute) counts every individual character. WPM = CPM ÷ 5.
How do I increase my WPM fast?
The three highest-impact changes: learn touch typing (eyes on screen), stop looking at your hands, and practice for 15 minutes daily with deliberate focus on problem keys. Most people see 10–20 WPM improvement within 2–3 weeks of consistent practice.