Decoding the Metrics

When you finish a free typing test, you're presented with a wall of data. Understanding these numbers is the key to targeted improvement. The most common metric is WPM (Words Per Minute), but there are others like KPM (Keystrokes Per Minute) that offer a deeper look into your efficiency.

WPM vs KPM

While WPM is the industry standard for a typing speed test, KPM tells you exactly how many times your fingers touched the keys. If you have a high KPM but a low WPM, it usually means your accuracy is poor or you're typing long, complex words. In an English typing speed test, the average word length is 5.1 characters, which is how WPM is standardized.

Common Typing Speed Benchmarks:

• Average: 35-45 WPM (Hunt and Peck)
• Professional: 60-80 WPM (Standard touch typing)
• Expert: 100+ WPM (Competitive level)

The Importance of Consistency

A single typing speed test 10 minutes long is worth ten 1-minute tests. It provides a larger statistical sample of your performance, making the results more "scientific" and reliable for long-term tracking.