Understanding WPM and Accuracy
Learn what WPM (Words Per Minute) and accuracy mean, how they're calculated, and what good scores look like.
What is WPM?
WPM (Words Per Minute) measures how many words you can type in one minute. It's the standard metric for typing speed.
How WPM is Calculated
WPM = (Total Characters Typed ÷ 5) ÷ Time in Minutes
Note: A "word" is standardized as 5 characters (including spaces and punctuation).
What is Accuracy?
Accuracy measures how many characters you typed correctly compared to the total characters in the text.
How Accuracy is Calculated
Accuracy = (Correct Characters ÷ Total Characters) × 100%
Mistakes reduce your accuracy score. Using backspace to correct errors still counts as mistakes.
What Are Good Scores?
Beginner
WPM: 20-40
Accuracy: 85-95%
Intermediate
WPM: 40-60
Accuracy: 90-97%
Advanced
WPM: 60-80
Accuracy: 95-99%
Expert
WPM: 80+
Accuracy: 97-100%
Tips for Improving
- •Practice Regularly: Consistency is key to improvement
- •Focus on Accuracy First: Speed will come naturally as accuracy improves
- •Use Proper Technique: Maintain good posture and hand position
- •Review Your Mistakes: Learn from errors to avoid repeating them
- •Set Goals: Aim for gradual improvement rather than perfection