Words per minute, explained
Words per minute, or WPM, is the usual way to measure typing speed. Because real words vary in length, typing tests count every five characters as one word. Typing 200 characters correctly in one minute is 40 WPM.
How Zomtype counts it
At the end of every run, Zomtype shows your words per minute and your accuracy. It counts only correct keystrokes, divided by five, per minute of the run, so mistakes never add to your speed. It also remembers your best WPM.
What is a good speed?
Everyone starts somewhere. Many beginners type 10 to 20 WPM, regular typists often reach about 40, and fast typists go well beyond that. The number that matters most is your own, compared with last week.
How to raise it
- Keep accuracy high. A run with high accuracy and a steady speed beats a fast, messy one.
- Read ahead. Start looking at the next word before you finish the current one.
- Practise often. A few short sessions a week move your WPM more than one long one.
- Track it over several runs. One run can be lucky or unlucky; the trend tells the truth.
See also: Accuracy before speed, How to type faster.