⌨️ Typing Speed Test
Type as many words as you can in 60 seconds. Your WPM is calculated in real time.
Typing Speed Test
Type the words shown. 60 seconds. WPM counted live. Click Start or press any key to begin.
How the Typing Speed Test Works
A passage of common English words is displayed. Type each word and press the space bar to advance to the next. Correctly typed words turn green. Incorrectly typed words turn red and are counted as errors. You cannot skip a word: if you press space on an incorrect word, it is counted as an error and you move on. The timer counts down from 60 seconds.
WPM is calculated using the standard formula: total characters typed divided by 5 (the standard word length), divided by the elapsed time in minutes. Adjusted WPM multiplies this by your accuracy percentage, which penalises errors. Only correct word completions count toward your character total.
What Your Score Means
The global average typing speed is around 40 WPM for casual computer users using hunt-and-peck and around 55 to 65 WPM for touch typists. Scoring above 60 WPM places you above average. Above 80 WPM is fast and typical of regular professional typists. Competitive typists and transcriptionists regularly exceed 100 WPM.
Accuracy matters as much as speed. A typist at 70 WPM with 95% accuracy produces more usable output than one at 80 WPM with 85% accuracy. The adjusted WPM metric accounts for this.
Tips to Improve Your Typing Speed
Touch typing (not looking at the keyboard, all fingers on designated keys) is the single most effective way to increase speed over the long term. The home row position (ASDF for left hand, JKL; for right) allows all keys to be reached with minimal finger travel. The initial speed drop when switching from hunt-and-peck is temporary and typically passes within two to four weeks.
For immediate improvements: keep your wrists off the desk while typing, focus on accuracy rather than speed in practice sessions (speed follows), and practice for 10 to 15 minutes daily rather than occasional long sessions. Most people add 5 to 10 WPM within a month of consistent daily practice on a structured typing course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good typing speed?
Above 60 WPM is above average. 80+ WPM is fast. 100+ WPM is professional level. The average casual user scores 40 to 55 WPM. For most office jobs, 40 WPM with good accuracy is sufficient.
How is WPM calculated?
Total characters correctly typed, divided by 5 (standard word length), divided by elapsed time in minutes. So 300 correct characters in 60 seconds = 300/5/1 = 60 WPM. Adjusted WPM multiplies this by your accuracy percentage.
Does typing speed matter for jobs?
For data entry, transcription and administrative roles, 40 to 60 WPM is commonly expected. For most knowledge work, accuracy matters more than raw speed. A developer who types accurately at 55 WPM is more productive than one making frequent errors at 80 WPM.
How long does it take to learn touch typing?
Most people match their previous hunt-and-peck speed after 15 to 20 hours of touch typing practice. By 30 to 40 hours over four to six weeks, most reach 40 to 60 WPM with touch typing. Daily 10-minute practice sessions are more effective than occasional long sessions.