Words Per Minute Test
The standard measurement for typing speed. Find out exactly how many words per minute you can type using the industry-standard WPM calculation.
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How to Play
- → Press Space after each word to move forward.
- → Focus on accuracy first; speed will follow naturally.
- → Results (WPM & Accuracy) will display instantly upon completion.
How This Typing Test Works
- • Press Space after each word to continue to the next word.
- • Accuracy is tracked per word – mistakes are counted instantly when you press Space.
- • WPM is calculated based on correct characters typed over time (5 characters = 1 word).
Understanding the WPM Standard
Words Per Minute (WPM) has been the universal standard for measuring typing speed since the typewriter era. The calculation is simple and consistent: every 5 characters (including letters, spaces, and punctuation) counts as one "word." This standardized definition means that your WPM score is comparable across all typing tests, regardless of the actual words you're typing.
For example, if you type "hello world" (11 characters including the space), that counts as 2.2 words in WPM terms. If you accomplish this in 6 seconds (0.1 minutes), your WPM would be 22. This consistent calculation method is why WPM remains the industry standard—it's objective, reproducible, and fair.
What Your WPM Score Means
Your WPM score is more than just a number—it directly correlates with your productivity and efficiency in typing-related tasks. Research shows that touch typists (people who type without looking at the keyboard) average 50-70 WPM, while hunt-and-peck typists typically max out around 30-40 WPM.
Professional roles often have WPM requirements: administrative assistants typically need 50+ WPM, transcriptionists require 60-80 WPM, and court reporters must exceed 200 WPM (using specialized stenography equipment). Knowing your WPM helps you understand whether you meet professional standards for typing-intensive roles.
FAQ
What is a good typing speed?
Average WPM is 40-50 for adults. Good is 50-70 WPM, fast is 70-90 WPM, and exceptional is 90+ WPM. Professional typists often reach 80-100+ WPM.
How is typing speed calculated?
WPM is calculated by counting all correctly typed characters, dividing by 5 (the standard word length), then dividing by time elapsed in minutes.
Is this typing test free?
Yes, completely free forever. No limits, no registration, no hidden costs. Test your WPM as often as you want.
Do I need to sign up or log in?
No. You can start the test immediately without creating an account. Your scores are stored in your browser.
How can I improve my typing speed?
Learn touch typing if you haven't already, practice 10-15 minutes daily, focus on accuracy before speed, and use proper finger placement on the home row keys.
Want to test endurance? Try our 5-minute test to see if you can sustain your WPM over longer periods.