How the Typing Test Works
Our online typing test is designed to accurately measure your typing speed and accuracy. The test starts as soon as you begin typing and automatically ends after the specified time. Your results are calculated in real-time and displayed instantly.
Correct Words per minute (WPM) Calculation
Typing speed is calculated according to the most widely accepted method where a 'word' is assumed an average of 5 characters (spaces included) with every error (per minute) being a 1 WPM deduction. Nearly all other significant statistics are also reported, allowing for a more custom calculation as well. All performance calculations are also clearly explained making it easy to understand your results.
What is WPM typing test?
There are different types of testing. This one is a typing test, where the typing skills are expressed in words per minute. The more you practice typing and the more you test typing speed, the higher the WPM score will be. Some online typing tests and typing test games focus only on WPM typing. The disadvantage of WPM typing test is learning only how to type fast. WPM typing tests do not tell anything on accuracy.
What does WPM mean?
WPM means "Words per minute" and is based on this calculation: 5 keystrokes equal 1 WPM. It is a measure of the output speed on a keyboard. You can read this wiki.
What is a keystrokes?
Every key you hit on the keyboard to type a letter is one keystroke. The calculation also considers if you have to type uppercase letters or language specific letters who need 2 keystrokes to be typed (for example "A"). For example "speed" needs 5 keystrokes whereas "Europa" needs 6 keystrokes.
Why are there no difficult words in this test?
The words are selected from a list of commonly used words. Some typing speed tests use words with difficult spellings, but I think that's unfair. I want to measure typing speed, not reading skill! The lack of difficult words in this test also enables this site to be used as a typing game for kids.
What can I do to improve my typing speed?
Take a deep breath, relax your fingers and take it slow. You need to be focused and not annoyed when attempting the typing speed test. The best thing you can do to start typing faster is to type more. The more practice you will get under your belt, the faster your typing-fu will be. It's all about developing muscle memory. Just make sure you are reinforcing the good habits and not ones that will leave your fingers hurting after an intense typing session.