Typing Speed Test

Test your typing speed and accuracy. Type a displayed paragraph as fast as you can. See your WPM, accuracy percentage, and error count in real-time.

Start typing to begin the test

How Typing Speed Is Measured

Typing speed is measured in words per minute (WPM). A 'word' is standardised as five characters, including spaces. So if you type 200 characters in one minute, your speed is 40 WPM. This standardisation means your score is comparable regardless of whether the text contains short or long words.

The test presents a passage of text and measures how quickly and accurately you type it. Your WPM score accounts for errors, so mistyped words reduce your effective speed. The accuracy percentage shows what proportion of words you typed correctly on the first attempt.

Average Typing Speed by Skill Level

Skill Level	WPM Range	Description
Beginner	20-30 WPM	Hunt-and-peck typing, looking at the keyboard
Average	35-45 WPM	Casual typist, some touch typing
Above average	45-60 WPM	Comfortable touch typist, office worker
Fast	60-80 WPM	Skilled typist, most professional needs covered
Professional	80-100 WPM	Transcriptionist, journalist, developer
Expert	100+ WPM	Competitive typist, stenographer-level speed

Tips to Improve Your Typing Speed

The single most important habit is touch typing, which means keeping your fingers on the home row (ASDF JKL;) and reaching for other keys without looking at the keyboard. This feels slower at first but quickly becomes faster than hunt-and-peck because your eyes stay on the screen.

Focus on accuracy before speed. Correcting mistakes takes more time than typing slowly but correctly. Practise for 10-15 minutes daily rather than one long session per week. Use the different difficulty levels in this tool to progress gradually. Easy mode uses common short words, medium mode adds longer words and punctuation, and hard mode includes numbers, symbols, and technical vocabulary.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a good typing speed for office work?

45-60 WPM with high accuracy is sufficient for most office jobs. Data entry roles typically require 60-80 WPM. Transcription and court reporting require 80+ WPM. For general computer use, anything above 40 WPM means typing is not a bottleneck in your workflow.

Should I prioritise speed or accuracy?

Accuracy first, always. A typist who types 50 WPM with 98% accuracy is more productive than one who types 70 WPM with 85% accuracy, because the faster typist spends significant time fixing mistakes. Once your accuracy is consistently above 95%, you can safely push for higher speed.

How often should I practise to see improvement?

Short daily sessions of 10-15 minutes are more effective than occasional long sessions. Most people see measurable improvement within two weeks of daily practice. Speed gains come quickly at first, then slow down as you approach your natural plateau. Consistent practice is the key.

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