What is Typing Speed Test?
Formula
Gross WPM = (Total Characters / 5) / Minutes Net WPM = ((Total Characters / 5) โ Errors) / Minutes Accuracy = Correct Characters / Total Characters ร 100 CPM = Total Characters / Minutes
Formula Explained
WPM uses the standard "word" of 5 characters (including spaces). Gross WPM counts everything typed. Net WPM penalizes errors by subtracting them from the character count before dividing by 5. This rewards both speed and accuracy. A 60-second test with 300 characters and 5 errors: Gross = (300/5)/1 = 60, Net = ((300/5)-5)/1 = 55 WPM.
Example
60-second test results: Characters typed: 312 (298 correct, 14 errors) Gross WPM: 62 Net WPM: 56 Accuracy: 95.5% CPM: 312 Rating: Fast
Tips & Best Practices
- โFocus on accuracy first โ speed comes naturally with muscle memory.
- โKeep your eyes on the screen text, not the keyboard.
- โUse the home row position: left hand on ASDF, right hand on JKL;.
- โPractice regularly โ even 10 minutes daily shows results in 2-3 weeks.
- โType relaxed โ tension in your hands and wrists slows you down and causes strain.
Common Use Cases
- โขTesting typing speed for job applications
- โขTracking improvement during typing practice
- โขPreparing for data entry or transcription roles
- โขStudents practicing for school typing requirements
- โขCompetitive typing โ comparing scores with friends