Test your typing speed and accuracy. Get your WPM (words per minute) score with this free online typing test.
Typing speed directly impacts productivity for anyone who works with computers — faster typing means more time for thinking and less for transcribing. The average typing speed is about 40 WPM (words per minute), while professional typists reach 65-75 WPM, and competitive typists exceed 150 WPM. This test measures both speed and accuracy because fast typing with many errors isn't productive. It calculates WPM using the standard definition (5 characters = 1 word) and tracks errors in real time. Regular practice with typing tests can improve your speed by 10-20 WPM within a few weeks. The test uses common English text to simulate real-world typing scenarios.
WPM = (Total characters typed / 5) / Minutes elapsed. The '5 characters per word' standard accounts for varying word lengths. Raw WPM counts all keystrokes; Net WPM subtracts errors (typically -1 WPM per uncorrected error).
Casual: 30-40 WPM. Average office worker: 40-50 WPM. Proficient: 50-70 WPM. Professional typist: 70-90 WPM. Expert: 90-120 WPM. Competitive: 150+ WPM. For most jobs, 50-60 WPM with high accuracy is sufficient.
Accuracy first, always. A 60 WPM typist with 98% accuracy is more productive than an 80 WPM typist with 85% accuracy — the error correction time wipes out the speed advantage. Build accuracy, and speed will follow naturally.
Learn proper finger placement (home row: ASDF JKL;). Don't look at the keyboard. Practice regularly for 15-20 minutes daily. Focus on accuracy first. Use typing tutors like Keybr or TypingClub. Speed improves with muscle memory developed through consistent practice.
QWERTY is standard and most tested. Dvorak and Colemak are designed for efficiency but require relearning. Most speed records are set on QWERTY. Switching layouts offers marginal speed gains but a steep learning curve — not recommended unless you have specific RSI concerns.