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How to calculate words per minute (and key depressions)
Typing tests do not count real words. They count characters in groups of five, which makes speeds comparable between different texts.
The basic formula
A standard word is five characters, including spaces and punctuation. So WPM = (characters typed divided by 5) divided by minutes.
Example: you type 1,500 characters in 5 minutes. 1,500 divided by 5 is 300 words, and 300 divided by 5 minutes is 60 WPM.
Net speed
For net speed, count only the correct characters, or subtract a penalty for mistakes depending on the exam. Example: if 1,200 of your 1,500 characters are correct, net speed is (1,200 divided by 5) divided by 5, which is 48 WPM.
Key depressions per hour
Some data-entry tests count keystrokes. Since five keystrokes equal one word, divide by five to get words. 8,000 key depressions per hour is 1,600 words an hour, about 27 WPM. 2,000 key depressions in 15 minutes is 400 words, also about 27 WPM.
Using the numbers
To plan practice, convert the requirement into characters: 35 WPM for 10 minutes is 1,750 characters. Knowing the raw number helps you pace yourself during the test.
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Frequently asked questions
Why five characters per word?
It is a convention that keeps speeds comparable whatever words are typed.
Do spaces count?
Yes, spaces count as characters in the standard method.
How do I get net WPM?
Count only the correctly typed characters before dividing, or apply the exam’s penalty rule.