The short answer
Most typing tests count one “word” as five characters, including spaces. Raw (gross) WPM is the characters typed divided by five, divided by the minutes taken. Net WPM subtracts the penalty for uncorrected mistakes. Accuracy is the share of keystrokes that were correct.
Five characters per word keeps long and short words fair, so different texts give comparable scores.
The formulas
Different tests apply the error penalty a little differently, so compare scores within one test rather than across sites.
| Measure | Formula |
|---|---|
| Raw (gross) WPM | (characters typed ÷ 5) ÷ minutes |
| Net WPM | raw WPM − (uncorrected errors ÷ minutes) |
| Accuracy | correct characters ÷ total characters typed × 100 |
A worked example
You type for one minute and enter 300 characters. Your raw WPM is 300 ÷ 5 ÷ 1 = 60. You leave 5 mistakes uncorrected, so your net WPM is 60 − 5 = 55. If 294 of the 300 characters were correct, accuracy is 294 ÷ 300 × 100 = 98%.
What is a good typing speed?
For most office work, 40 to 60 WPM with high accuracy is plenty. Speed without accuracy slows you down, because corrections cost more time than careful typing.
| Level | Net WPM (rough guide) |
|---|---|
| Beginner | Under 30 |
| Average adult | 35–45 |
| Good | 50–65 |
| Fast | 70–90 |
| Very fast | Above 100 |
How to improve
- Aim for accuracy first. Speed follows once errors are rare.
- Learn touch typing: keep your eyes on the screen, not the keys.
- Practise a little every day. Ten minutes beat an hour once a week.
- Keep a relaxed posture and let fingers stay on the home row.
- Retake a short test often and track net WPM and accuracy together.
Take a test
Our typing speed test gives you a 15, 30 or 60 second test with live net WPM, raw WPM, accuracy and highlighted errors. It runs in your browser and nothing is stored.
Frequently asked questions
How is WPM calculated?
Characters typed divided by five, divided by minutes. Five characters count as one word.
What is the difference between raw and net WPM?
Raw WPM counts all typing. Net WPM subtracts a penalty for uncorrected mistakes.
What is a good typing speed?
Around 40 to 60 net WPM is good for most jobs. Above 70 is fast.
Does accuracy matter?
Yes. Mistakes lower net WPM and cost time to fix. Accuracy above 95% is a sensible target.
How can I improve my typing speed?
Practise daily, learn touch typing, focus on accuracy first and track your results.
Try these tools
Typing Speed Test
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