Typing Speed Test

How to play: pick a duration, click the text box and start typing the highlighted word. Press SPACE after each word. The timer starts with your first key, and ESC restarts.

This free typing speed test measures how many words per minute (WPM) you can type and how accurately you type them. Choose a test length from 15 seconds up to 5 minutes, type the words as they appear, and get your WPM, accuracy and mistakes the moment time runs out.

The words are drawn at random from a list of common English words, so every test is different and you cannot simply memorise a passage. Your best score for each duration is saved in your browser so you can track your progress.

How the typing test works

  1. Choose a duration: 15 seconds, 30 seconds, 1 minute, 2 minutes or 5 minutes.
  2. Click the text box. The first word is highlighted.
  3. Type the word and press SPACE to move on. The timer starts on your first key.
  4. Correct words turn lime, mistakes turn red and are crossed out.
  5. When the timer reaches zero you see your final WPM, accuracy and number of mistakes.

You can press ESC or the Restart button at any time to get a fresh set of words.

How is WPM calculated?

Typing speed uses a standard “word” of 5 characters, spaces included, so long and short words are treated fairly. This test counts the characters of every word you typed correctly, plus the space after it, divides by 5, and then divides by the test length in minutes. Words with mistakes do not add to your speed, so rushing and making errors lowers your score.

How is accuracy calculated?

Accuracy is the share of your keystrokes that matched the word you were typing. If you type a wrong letter, that keystroke counts against you even if you fix it with backspace. High accuracy matters more than raw speed, because correcting errors costs far more time than typing carefully.

What is a good typing speed?

A figure of around 40 WPM is often quoted as an average for adults who type regularly. Around 60 WPM is comfortably fast for everyday work, and speeds above 80 WPM are typical of experienced touch typists. Competitive typists can reach well over 100 WPM on short tests.

Short tests usually give higher scores than long ones, because it is easier to stay at full speed for 15 seconds than for 5 minutes. For a realistic picture of your everyday speed, the 1 minute and 2 minute tests are the most useful.

How to type faster

  • Learn to touch type. Keep your fingers on the home row (ASDF and JKL;) and type without looking at the keyboard. It feels slower at first but pays off quickly.
  • Accuracy first, speed second. Aim for 95% accuracy or better. Speed follows naturally once your fingers stop making mistakes.
  • Read one word ahead. While you type the current word, let your eyes move to the next one.
  • Keep a steady rhythm. Even, relaxed keystrokes are faster over a full minute than bursts followed by pauses.
  • Sit comfortably. Keep your wrists level and your shoulders relaxed. Tension slows you down.
  • Practice short and often. Ten minutes a day beats an occasional hour.

Typing speed and gaming

Fast, accurate typing helps in games with chat, commands or typing mechanics, and the same finger control carries over to other keyboard skills. If you want to test a different kind of keyboard speed, try the Spacebar Counter, or measure how quickly you react with the Reaction Time Test. For mouse speed, the CPS test measures your clicks per second.

Frequently asked questions

Which test length should I choose?

Use 15 or 30 seconds for a quick burst of maximum speed, 1 or 2 minutes for a realistic everyday score, and 5 minutes to test your stamina and consistency.

Does the test count capital letters or punctuation?

No. All words are lower case with no punctuation, so the test focuses purely on typing speed and accuracy.

Can I use this typing test on a phone?

Yes. Tap the text box to open your keyboard and type as normal. Phone scores are usually lower than keyboard scores, so compare them separately.

Why did a word turn red when I thought it was right?

A word turns red if any letter differs from the target, including a missing or extra letter. Once you press SPACE the word is scored and the test moves on.

Is my typing data stored or sent anywhere?

No. The test runs entirely in your browser. Only your best WPM for each duration is saved, and only on your own device.