How it works
How your WPM is calculated
Most typing tests flatter you with short, easy lowercase words. This one gives you a single passage on one everyday topic, with capitals and punctuation, because that is what you type every day. The score is calculated in the open:
- A "word" is 5 characters, spaces included.
- Gross WPM is everything you typed, divided by 5, divided by the minutes elapsed.
- Net WPM, your headline score, is gross WPM minus one word per minute for every error you left uncorrected.
- Accuracy is the share of all your keystrokes that were correct. A mistake you fixed still counts against it.
The timer starts on your first keystroke and only runs while the test has focus. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
What is a good typing speed?
These bands describe net WPM on real sentences with punctuation:
| Net WPM | Level |
|---|---|
| 0 to 24 | Beginner |
| 25 to 39 | Below average |
| 40 to 54 | Average |
| 55 to 69 | Above average |
| 70 to 89 | Fast |
| 90+ | Very fast |
Frequently asked questions
Why is my score lower here than on other typing tests?
Capital letters, commas and full stops take extra keystrokes and extra thought. Tests that use only short lowercase words can add 10 to 30 WPM. Switch to common words without punctuation to compare, and the badge will show "Practice mode".
How long should my test be?
At least 60 seconds. Very short tests reward a quick burst that you cannot keep up while writing real emails or documents.
Are my results saved?
Your last 10 results and your personal bests are kept in this browser only. There are no accounts and nothing is sent to a server.