How typing speed (WPM) is calculated

Typing tests count characters, not real words, so results are comparable across texts. Here is the formula and what each number on a results screen means.

By the OnlyTyping team · Updated 3 October 2026

The WPM formula

By convention, one word equals five characters (including spaces). That makes speed independent of whether the words you typed were short or long.

WPM = (correct characters ÷ 5) ÷ minutes

Example: 300 correct characters in 60 seconds is 300 ÷ 5 = 60 words, so 60 WPM. In 30 seconds the same 300 characters would be 120 WPM.

Raw speed vs net speed

Raw WPM counts every key you pressed, right or wrong. Net WPM (the number most tests headline) counts only the correct characters. A big gap between them means errors are costing you speed. The faster, cleaner route is usually to lower raw speed slightly and raise accuracy.

Accuracy

Accuracy is the share of keystrokes that were correct. 97% means roughly three mistakes per hundred keys. Anything above 95% is solid; elite typists sit near 98 to 99%.

Consistency

Consistency compares how evenly you typed over time. A high score means a steady rhythm; a low one means bursts and stalls. Improving consistency often raises your WPM without extra effort.

Why results differ between tests

• Different text: common words are easier than punctuation, numbers and rare words.
• Different length: short sprints reward bursts; longer tests reflect endurance.
• Different rules: some tests forgive corrections, others count every error.
• Different keyboards: phones and laptops are slower than desktop keyboards for most people.

How OnlyTyping checks leaderboard scores

Timed leaderboard scores on OnlyTyping use english 200 words without punctuation or numbers so every entry is comparable. The server recomputes your speed and accuracy from the keystroke timings of your run and rejects results that do not match, so a typed score is a score you actually typed.