When someone asks for your typing speed
Some roles ask for a words-per-minute figure, and some employers run their own typing assessment as part of hiring. Either way it helps to know your number in advance, measured under conditions that resemble the real thing.
This page presets a two-minute test on full sentences with capitals and punctuation. That is closer to an assessment than a burst of lowercase words would be.
What assessments tend to check
Formats differ between employers, so check the details you have been given. In general an assessment looks at two things together: how much you typed and how much of it was right. A fast result full of errors rarely impresses anyone.
That is the same balance this site uses. Speed here counts only characters that end up correct. Accuracy counts every keystroke, including ones you fixed. A run below 50% accuracy is shown but not counted at all.
A short preparation plan
A week or more ahead. Take this test once to set a baseline. Note your speed and accuracy.
On most days. Spend five to ten minutes practising. Use the smart drill offered after each result; it targets the keys and letter pairs that slowed you. The guide on how to type faster has further techniques.
Every few days. Retake this test and compare with your baseline. If the assessment you are facing is longer, add a 5-minute typing test to build stamina.
The day itself. Warm up with one short run, then stop. Sit comfortably, read a word ahead, and do not chase the clock.
Choosing a number to quote
One run is a snapshot. A fairer figure is the speed you reach consistently, and the Stats page shows your seven-day average and your best for each preset. Quoting a number you can reproduce is safer than quoting a single lucky run.
If you are unsure how your figure compares, what is a good WPM puts typing speeds in context.
Practical notes
Use the keyboard you will be assessed on if you can, or one like it. Laptop and full-size keyboards feel different, and the difference shows up in accuracy first.
Everything here is free, with no account needed. Results are kept in this browser, so practise on the same device and browser to see your history build up.