How to Measure Typing Speed (WPM)
The standard measurement for typing speed is WPM (Words Per Minute). This test runs for exactly 60 seconds. To calculate your score, we take the number of correct characters you typed and divide by 5 (since the average word length is 5 characters).
WPM Speed Tiers
- 0 - 40 WPM (Average): This is the typical speed for most casual computer users.
- 40 - 60 WPM (Professional): The average speed required for most office jobs and data entry positions.
- 60 - 80 WPM (Fast): You are a productive typist. This speed allows you to catch up with your thoughts.
- 100+ WPM (Elite): Top 1% of typists. Common among programmers and professional gamers.
Tips to Improve Speed
- Learn Touch Typing: Use all 10 fingers. Do not "hunt and peck" with two fingers.
- Home Row: Rest your fingers on the ASDF and JKL; keys. This minimizes the distance your fingers need to travel.
- Focus on Accuracy: Don't rush. Every time you hit backspace to fix a mistake, you lose valuable time. Speed comes naturally after accuracy.