How to Use the Typing Speed Test
The Typing Speed Test measures your typing speed in WPM (words per minute) and accuracy percentage with real-time feedback. Multiple text passages ensure variety across sessions, and results are stored locally so you can track improvement over time.
Start typing when the test begins — the timer starts with your first keystroke. Incorrect characters are highlighted in red. When you complete the passage, you see your WPM, accuracy, and raw speed (uncorrected WPM). Switch passages to practise different text styles.
A crucial nuance for interpreting results: 'net WPM' accounts for errors (uncorrected mistakes reduce your score), while 'gross WPM' measures raw speed. Professional typing tests use net WPM — 60 net WPM with 98% accuracy is more valuable than 70 gross WPM with 90% accuracy. Our test shows both metrics.
📊 Worked Example
Typing speed reference benchmarks:
- Beginner: 20–35 WPM — typical for hunt-and-peck typists
- Average: 40–60 WPM — typical office worker
- Fast: 60–80 WPM — above-average touch typist
- Expert: 80–100+ WPM — professional transcriptionist
- World record: 212 WPM (QWERTY, short duration)
Common Use Cases
- ✅ Measuring current typing speed before a job application requiring fast typing
- ✅ Practising to improve WPM and accuracy regularly
- ✅ Testing the effectiveness of touch typing lessons
- ✅ Benchmarking speed after switching keyboard layouts (QWERTY vs Dvorak)
- ✅ Team competitions for the fastest typist
- ✅ Tracking progress from beginner to proficient over weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good typing speed?
Average adult typing speed is 40–50 WPM. 60+ WPM is considered above average for general typing. Data entry jobs typically require 60–70 WPM. Professional transcriptionists need 75–90 WPM. Legal and medical transcription often requires 80+ WPM with high accuracy. Coders often type faster (90–120 WPM) but measure productivity differently.
How is WPM calculated?
One 'word' in typing tests = 5 characters (including spaces). This standardises across varying word lengths. WPM = (Total characters typed ÷ 5) ÷ minutes elapsed. Net WPM deducts errors: Net WPM = Gross WPM − (errors ÷ minutes). Accuracy = (Correct characters ÷ Total characters) × 100.
How can I improve my typing speed?
Key strategies: learn proper touch typing (all 10 fingers, correct finger-key mapping), never look at the keyboard, start slow and prioritise accuracy over speed, practise daily for 15–30 minutes, use targeted drills for weak keys. Progress is typically 5–10 WPM per week with consistent daily practice.
Is it worth learning Dvorak or Colemak instead of QWERTY?
Alternative layouts like Dvorak and Colemak place commonly used keys on the home row, potentially reducing finger travel by 30–50%. Some studies show slightly higher peak speeds and reduced RSI. However, the productivity cost of learning (weeks of reduced speed) and the social inconvenience (shared keyboards) means most people stick with QWERTY. Results vary significantly by individual.
What keyboard features help with typing speed?
Mechanical keyboards with tactile switches (Cherry MX Brown, Blue, etc.) provide clear feedback and can improve accuracy. Key travel distance, actuation force, and switch type all affect feel. Ergonomic split keyboards can reduce fatigue for long sessions. That said, skilled typists can achieve 100+ WPM on any keyboard — hardware matters less than technique.