Typing Speed Test
Type the words below and get your speed in words per minute (WPM) and accuracy. The average computer typist does 51.6 WPM and the average phone typist 36.2 WPM. One word counts as 5 characters. Choose 15 seconds to 2 minutes, in English or Bahasa Melayu; the clock starts on your first key.
Test
Start typing to start the clock.
Your result
Net speed
words per minute Take the test
Accuracy, raw speed and characters per minute appear when the time is up.
| Net WPM | – |
|---|---|
| Gross WPM | – |
| Accuracy | – |
| Correct characters per minute | – |
| Uncorrected errors | – |
| Time | – |
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Example: working out WPM
In a 1-minute test you type 250 characters, including spaces. That is 250 ÷ 5 = 50 gross WPM. You left 3 mistakes uncorrected, so net WPM is 50 − 3 = 47 WPM. You pressed 260 keys, 13 of them wrong (some later fixed with Backspace), so accuracy is 247 ÷ 260 = 95%.
How fast is your typing?
| Level | Net speed | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 0–24 WPM | Still looking at the keys; learn the home row first. |
| Learning | 25–39 WPM | Enough for chat and short emails. |
| Average | 40–59 WPM | Around the typical adult on a phone or computer. |
| Fast | 60–79 WPM | Above the average desktop typist (51.6 WPM). |
| Very fast | 80–99 WPM | Comfortable for transcription and heavy office work. |
| Expert | 100+ WPM | Top few percent of typists. |
These levels are a rough guide; there is no official scale. For reference, 168,960 people averaged 51.6 WPM on computers with 1.2% uncorrected errors, and 37,370 people averaged 36.2 WPM on phones with 2.3% errors.
How the test works
- Text: common words, sentences or numbers are picked at random; every test is different, and Retry repeats the same text.
- Clock: it starts on your first key and stops at 15 s, 30 s, 1 min or 2 min, or when you finish the text.
- Gross WPM: characters typed ÷ 5 ÷ minutes. Net WPM: gross minus uncorrected errors per minute.
- Accuracy: correct keystrokes ÷ all keystrokes, so a mistake you fixed still counts once.
Typing in Malaysian government jobs
- Applying (SPA): Pembantu Tadbir (Perkeranian/Operasi) N1 and Pembantu Setiausaha Pejabat N1 ask for SPM with a credit in Bahasa Melayu; no typing speed is set.
- Service examination (JPA), Pembantu Setiausaha Pejabat N1: take notes at 30 words a minute, then type the transcript at 20 words a minute with at most 4% errors.
- Setiausaha Pejabat N5: notes at 50 words a minute, typing at 20 words a minute, at most 4% errors, plus the ISAC computer test. Pembantu Tadbir N1 takes ISAC only.
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How to type faster
- Home row: left fingers on A S D F, right fingers on J K L ;. Feel the bumps on F and J, and return after every key.
- Eyes on the screen: looking down at the keys is the biggest brake on speed.
- Accuracy first: fixing mistakes costs more time than typing slightly slower.
- Short daily practice: a few 1-minute tests a day, then work on the keys this test says you miss most.
Sources
- Dhakal et al. (CHI 2018): 136 million keystrokes and Palin et al. (MobileHCI 2019): mobile typing
- Wikipedia: Words per minute and SpeedTypingOnline: typing equations
- SPA: Pembantu Setiausaha Pejabat N1, SPA: Pembantu Tadbir N1 and JPA: service examination, grades 1 to 4
Note: This is a practice test. Official examinations set their own texts, timing and error rules; check the latest JPA or employer guidelines before an assessment.
Frequently asked questions
How is typing speed (WPM) calculated?
Every 5 characters, spaces included, count as one word. Gross WPM is characters typed ÷ 5 ÷ minutes, and net WPM subtracts uncorrected errors per minute. For example, 250 characters in 1 minute is 50 gross WPM; with 3 uncorrected errors it is 47 net WPM.
What is a good typing speed?
In a study of 168,960 people typing on computers (Aalto University, 2018) the average was 51.56 WPM with 1.17% uncorrected errors. On phones, 37,370 people averaged 36.2 WPM. Around 40 WPM is enough for most office work, 60 WPM is fast and 80 WPM or more is very fast.
What typing speed do Malaysian government jobs need?
SPA does not set a typing speed to apply for Pembantu Tadbir N1 or Pembantu Setiausaha Pejabat N1. After appointment, the JPA service examination for Pembantu Setiausaha Pejabat N1 asks you to take notes at 30 words a minute and type the transcript at 20 words a minute with at most 4% errors; Pembantu Tadbir N1 takes the ISAC computer test instead.
How is accuracy calculated?
Accuracy is correct keystrokes ÷ all keystrokes, and mistakes count even if you fix them with Backspace. If you press 260 keys and 13 were wrong, accuracy is 95%. Uncorrected errors are counted separately and lower your net WPM.
Can I take the typing test in Bahasa Melayu?
Yes. Choose Bahasa Melayu as the language for Malay common words or sentences. The score still uses the standard 5-character word, so a Malay result can be compared directly with an English one even though Malay words are often longer.
How can I type faster?
Learn touch typing: rest your fingers on the home row (A S D F and J K L ;), use the bumps on F and J to find it without looking, and return there after every key. Aim for accuracy first; speed follows with short daily practice. Check the keys you missed most after each test.
Does the test work on a phone, and is my result saved?
Yes, it works with phone keyboards; phone typing is usually about 70% of keyboard speed. Your personal best for each language, mode and duration is saved only in this browser, and nothing you type is sent to a server.
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