How WPM is calculated
Typing tests don’t count real words — they would make long words unfairly expensive. The standard convention is that one “word” equals 5 characters, including spaces and punctuation. So:
WPM = correct characters ÷ 5 ÷ minutes
Example: in a 60-second test you type 230 characters correctly. 230 ÷ 5 ÷ 1 = 46 WPM. Some tests report “gross” WPM (all keystrokes) and then subtract errors to get “net” WPM; our typing test simply counts only correct characters, and shows characters per minute (CPM) and accuracy alongside.
What is a good typing speed?
There is no single official average — results depend on the test text, duration and how errors are treated. The ranges below are rough benchmarks that typing courses and tests commonly use, not measured statistics:
| WPM | CPM | Typical description |
|---|---|---|
| Under 25 | Under 125 | Beginner, often looking at the keys |
| 30–45 | 150–225 | Typical everyday typist (the “average” usually quoted is around 40) |
| 50–70 | 250–350 | Fast; usually a touch typist |
| 80+ | 400+ | Very fast; practised touch typist |
If a job lists a typing requirement, it will usually state both a WPM figure and an accuracy level — check the specific posting rather than relying on general numbers.
Accuracy beats raw speed
Every error costs you twice: once to type the wrong key and again to delete and retype it. A typist at 50 WPM with 98% accuracy usually gets more done than one at 60 WPM with 90% accuracy. Aim for 95% accuracy or higher first, then push speed.
How to type faster: a practical plan
- Learn the home row. Rest your index fingers on F and J (feel the small bumps) and let each finger own its column of keys.
- Stop looking at the keyboard. It feels slower at first — that is normal. Speed returns within days and then surpasses your old level.
- Practise little and often. 10–15 minutes a day beats an hour once a week.
- Slow down to be accurate. Type at a pace where you make few errors; speed builds on clean repetition.
- Practise real text. Once the letters are automatic, type paragraphs with punctuation, capitals and numbers — that is what real work looks like.
- Mind ergonomics. Keep wrists straight and relaxed, the screen at eye level and take breaks. A tense posture slows you down and can cause strain.
- Measure weekly, not hourly. Use the same test length (e.g. 60 seconds) each time so results are comparable.
How to test yourself fairly
- Use 60 or 120 seconds — 30-second tests are noisy.
- Take three tests and look at the median rather than the best run.
- Compare like with like: same language, same keyboard, same device.
Our typing speed test works in English and Russian, highlights mistakes as you type and remembers your best result in this browser. For focused practice sessions, pair it with a Pomodoro timer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average typing speed?
Figures commonly quoted for adults who type regularly are roughly 35–45 words per minute. Results vary a lot with the test, the text and whether errors are counted, so treat any single number as a rough guide.
What is a good WPM?
Around 40 WPM with high accuracy is comfortable for everyday computer work. 60 WPM and above is fast, and 80+ WPM is very fast. Accuracy matters as much as speed: aim for 95% or better.
How is WPM calculated?
By convention one “word” is 5 characters, including spaces. WPM = correctly typed characters ÷ 5 ÷ minutes. Our test counts only correct characters, so mistakes lower the score.
How long does it take to learn touch typing?
It depends on practice time. Many people learn the key positions in a few weeks of short daily sessions; reaching their old speed and then exceeding it usually takes longer. Consistency matters more than session length.
Is typing on a phone measured the same way?
The formula is the same, but phone typing is usually slower and autocorrect can hide errors. Compare results on the same device and test length.