Typing Speed

What Is Typing Speed?

Typing speed is the rate at which a person can accurately produce typed text. It is most commonly expressed as words per minute (WPM) or characters per minute (CPM). Typing speed is distinct from typing accuracy — a fast but error-prone typist produces less useful output than a slower but accurate one.

How Typing Speed Is Measured

Typing speed tests present a passage of text for the typist to reproduce. The system records keystrokes, compares them against the expected text, and calculates:

• Gross WPM — total characters typed ÷ 5 ÷ minutes (raw speed)
• Net WPM — gross WPM minus error penalty (productive speed)
• Accuracy — percentage of correct keystrokes

What Affects Typing Speed?

• Technique — touch typists using all ten fingers consistently outperform hunt-and-peck typists
• Practice volume — more typing exposure builds faster motor programs
• Familiarity with content — known vocabulary is typed faster than unfamiliar words
• Keyboard — layout, switch type, and key travel affect speed marginally
• Fatigue and focus — speed degrades with tiredness and distraction

Average Typing Speeds

Measure your typing speed now with the 1-minute test or explore the full test catalogue.