Speed Typing Test

The simple typing test below calculates your speed (words per minute). Try it! Do you have a website? You can also copy/paste it to any of your webpages.

In today's computer-dominated world, typing (keyboarding, word processing, etc) is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. For data entry, secretarial or some kinds of office jobs, a formal typing test is common. But in anything you do with computers, you'll have a competitive edge if you have fast and accurate keyboarding skills.

How typing tests are calculated

Your score basically consists of one important number: words per minute, or "wpm" for short. Often, this is a corrected score, where each error made during the typing test reduces your wpm by one. Another common score is an accuracy percentage -- which is simply the number of words you got right compared to how many you typed. For instance, 90% accuracy means you averaged 9 out of 10 words right. Please note that in the module below, your score is a straight words per minute (it is not adjusted for accuracy).

typing test (c) typingcheetah.com

Typing Tips

To increase your speed when taking a typing test (or anytime, really), here are a some tips:

Tap on each key crisply but lightly. If you use minimum force (don't bang on the keys), your fingers will move faster
Type as quickly as you are able, but don't "try" too hard or force your speed or you'll make many mistakes
Your mindset is crucial. RELAX and focus. It is especially easy to tense up and not perform well
Use proper posture, sit upright
Stretch your wrists and fingers before starting
Keyboard/monitor positioning: your wrist, elbows and keyboard should be on the same horizontal plane, and at a 90 degree angle to your upper arms
The top of your screen should be near eye level

Of course the best thing you can do is prepare thoroughly in advance through diligent practice! You can't fake your way through an official test; you either have the skill or you don't. One of the best ways to practice and gain speed is by using typing software. Using "tutors" (written guidebook, lesson, or teacher) will help as well.

Software Recommendations

I've looked around the web for typing software, and I've come across some good ones. Don't underestimate the power of good software. You will often notice a difference almost immediately after using the software; at least much sooner than if you remained in your old bad habits. Then you will "ace" any typing test you can imagine!

Everyone has their own opinion, but I personally really like the first two listed here. You could learn to type up to 4 times faster using professional touch-typing techniques.

TypingMaster - well known around the web, has gotten great reviews from users, and includes typing games. The company has several versions to choose from.

EliteTyping - this software has won multiple awards and praise from users, and has many good features. It is suitable for both adults and children.

Key Advantage - received 4 stars from Cnet review editors, and it works on Macintosh as well as Windows

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