Typing Speed Test
Type the sample text below to measure your words per minute and accuracy in real time.
The library opened at nine, but the regulars were already waiting on the steps. Inside, the smell of old paper mixed with fresh coffee from the reading room. A librarian wheeled a cart of returned books past the tall windows, sorting mysteries from biographies as morning light crossed the floor.
WPM counts five correct characters as one word. Nothing you type leaves your browser.
How it works
- Choose a test length: 30 seconds, 60 seconds, or type until the text is finished.
- Click into the typing box and start typing the sample text — the timer starts on your first keystroke.
- When the test ends, review your WPM, accuracy, and character count, then press Restart or New text to try again.
Frequently asked questions
- How is WPM calculated in this typing test?
- WPM uses the standard formula: every five correctly typed characters count as one word, divided by the elapsed time in minutes. This normalizes for word length, so typing long words does not inflate your score. Only characters that match the sample text count toward your WPM.
- What is a good typing speed?
- Average typists land between 35 and 45 WPM, while proficient office workers usually reach 50 to 70 WPM. Professional typists and programmers who touch-type often exceed 80 WPM. Accuracy matters as much as speed — 60 WPM at 98% accuracy is more useful than 80 WPM at 85%.
- How does the accuracy score work?
- Accuracy is the percentage of keystrokes that matched the expected character at the moment you typed them. Corrections with backspace fix the text but do not erase the original mistake, so the score reflects your true error rate. This mirrors how most standardized typing tests measure accuracy.
- Is my typing data sent anywhere?
- No. The test runs entirely in your browser — the sample texts are embedded in the page and your keystrokes, scores, and timings never leave your device. There is no account, no tracking of results, and nothing is stored after you close the tab.
- Can I take the typing test on a phone or tablet?
- Yes. The test uses a regular text box, so it works with any on-screen keyboard. Keep in mind that mobile WPM scores are typically lower than desktop scores because on-screen keyboards are slower, and autocorrect should be disabled for a fair result — the test box requests that automatically.
About this tool
This typing speed test measures how fast and how accurately you type, using the two numbers that matter: words per minute and accuracy percentage. You type a short sample paragraph while the tool compares every keystroke against the expected character, coloring correct letters dark and mistakes red so you can see errors the instant they happen. The timer starts automatically on your first keypress, and your live WPM and accuracy update as you go.
Everything runs locally in your browser. The sample paragraphs are built into the page, keystrokes are evaluated with plain JavaScript on your device, and no text, score, or timing data is ever transmitted. WPM follows the industry convention of five characters per word, counting only correctly typed characters, which makes your results comparable with other standardized tests. Accuracy is based on raw keystrokes rather than the final text, so fixing an error with backspace does not hide it from the score.
The test is useful for more than curiosity. If you are preparing for a job that screens typing speed — data entry, transcription, administrative, or customer support roles — regular timed practice is the fastest way to raise your score. The 30-second mode suits quick warm-ups, the 60-second mode matches most employment tests, and the until-done mode removes time pressure so you can focus purely on accuracy.
To improve, prioritize accuracy first: errors cost more time than slow typing, because every correction involves at least two extra keystrokes. Keep your eyes on the sample text rather than the keyboard, aim for a steady rhythm instead of bursts, and retest with a new paragraph each round so you measure typing skill rather than memorization. Most people gain 5 to 10 WPM within a few weeks of short daily sessions.