What this calculator does
Typing speed (WPM) works out gross and net words per minute, and accuracy, from a timed typing sample. Enter your own figures above and the answer updates as you type: nothing is fixed in the code, so the result reflects exactly the numbers you supply.
The formula this calculator evaluates is printed under the tool and explained below, so you can check the working by hand or reuse it in a spreadsheet.
The formula
FormulaGross WPM = (characters typed / 5) / minutes; Net WPM = gross WPM − (errors / minutes); standard convention: 5 characters = 1 word
The inputs explained
| Field | What to enter |
|---|---|
| Characters typed | A number. Starts at 250. |
| Time taken (minutes) | A number, measured in minutes. Starts at 1. |
| Incorrect words | A number. Starts at 2. |
Worked examples
Every figure in the tables below is produced by this page’s own calculator at build time, so the numbers and the tool always agree. Select any row to load that scenario.
How the answer changes with characters typed
Every other input is held at the calculator’s starting values while characters typed varies. Select any row to load that scenario into the calculator.