How the typing test works
- Choose a length: 15, 30, 60 or 120 seconds. One minute is the classic test.
- Click the text or just start typing: the timer starts with your first key.
- Press Space to go to the next word. Letters turn green when right and red when wrong. Backspace fixes the current word.
- When time is up you get your speed, your accuracy and the number of words typed. Your best score for each length is saved on this device.
- Press Tab at any time to restart with new words.
A key does not respond or prints the wrong letter? Check every key with the keyboard test.
How WPM is calculated
Typing tests count a “word” as 5 characters, spaces included, so long and short words count fairly. Your WPM (words per minute) only counts correctly typed characters. Raw WPM counts everything you typed, mistakes included. Accuracy is the share of keystrokes that were right.
What is a good typing speed?
The largest study we know of, by Aalto University and the University of Cambridge (2018, 136 million keystrokes), measured 168,000 volunteers taking an online typing test: they averaged about 52 WPM, with a typical spread of about 20 WPM either side. These were people who chose to take a typing test, so they are not a perfect picture of everyone.
Our rough guide:
- Under 30 WPM: beginner, often typing with a few fingers while looking at the keys.
- Around 50 WPM: close to the study average.
- 70 WPM and more: well above that average.
Accuracy matters as much as speed: aim for 95% or more, then speed up.
How to type faster
- Learn touch typing: keep your fingers on the home row (ASDF and JKL;) and stop looking at the keyboard.
- Go for accuracy first; speed comes on its own.
- Practice 10 minutes a day rather than one long session a week.
- Read one or two words ahead while you type the current one.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average typing speed?
In a 2018 study of 168,000 volunteers who took an online typing test (Aalto University and University of Cambridge), the average was about 52 words per minute. Typists at 70 WPM and more are fast.
Which words are used in the test?
Common English words, drawn at random for each test, so you never type the same text twice and cannot learn it by heart.
Does it work on a phone?
Yes, with the on-screen keyboard. Phone scores are usually lower than on a physical keyboard, so compare scores on the same device.
Is my score saved?
Your best score for each test length is saved in this browser only. Nothing is sent to us.
Last updated: October 20, 2026