When you complete a typing speed test, you are presented with two highly important metrics: your typing speed and your accuracy. But what do those numbers really mean?

Gross WPM vs Net WPM

In professional typing environments, there are two ways to measure speed:

• Gross WPM: This is your raw, unfiltered typing speed. It calculates how fast you are hitting keys, without penalizing you for spelling mistakes.
• Net WPM: This is your true typing speed. It calculates your Gross WPM, but then subtracts uncorrected errors. For example, if you typed 60 Gross WPM but left 5 errors in the text, your Net WPM would drop to 55 WPM.

What is a good typing speed?

The global average typing speed is roughly 40 WPM. However, for professional contexts (like programming, data entry, or transcription), a good typing speed is generally considered to be 60 WPM and above. Elite typists often reach speeds of over 100 WPM! Taking a regular typing speed test helps you track your progress towards these elite tiers.