Coding Typing Test for Programmers

Why code is slower to type

Code leans on the symbol keys: { } ( ) = ; and quotes, most of which need the pinky and the Shift key. Expect a code WPM that is 20 to 40% lower than your prose WPM. The problem-keys list after each test shows which symbols slow you down.

Make symbols automatic

• Use the opposite hand's Shift key for every shifted symbol.
• Practice bracket pairs as one motion, open then close.
• Keep your right pinky anchored near ; so [ ] and ' are one reach away.

How we score your test

Every serious typing test uses the same unit: one "word" equals five keystrokes, spaces included. That keeps a test fair whether the text is full of short words or long ones. Here is exactly what each number on your results means:

• WPM counts only the characters in words you typed correctly (plus the spaces after them), divided by 5, divided by minutes. This is the headline number and the hardest one to inflate.
• Gross WPM counts every character you typed, right or wrong. The gap between gross and WPM shows how much speed your mistakes cost you.
• Net WPM is gross WPM minus uncorrected errors per minute, the formula many employers and older typing tests use.
• Accuracy is the share of keystrokes that were correct, including ones you later fixed with backspace.
• CPM is correct characters per minute, and keystrokes per hour (KPH) is the figure data entry employers ask for.
• Consistency shows how steady your pace was from second to second. Higher is smoother.
• Errors are wrong, missing and extra letters left in words when you pressed space. A space that skips unfinished letters counts as a wrong keystroke.

Fair on phones: curly quotes and dashes inserted by iPhone and Android keyboards count the same as the plain keys, the test ignores where you tap inside the text, and leaving the page stops the clock instead of ruining your score. Swipe typing and word suggestions are allowed but labeled, because whole words arriving at once is not comparable with typing key by key. Pasted text is ignored.

More typing tests

• Typing Test for JobsPractice for a pre-employment typing test
• Data Entry Typing TestData entry typing test with keystrokes per hour (KPH), WPM and accuracy
• Number Typing TestNumber typing test for 10-key and data entry practice
• Typing Test for KidsA friendly typing test for kids with short, simple words
• Medical Typing TestMedical typing test with real clinical vocabulary
• Legal Typing TestLegal typing test with real legal vocabulary for legal secretaries, paralegals and transcriptionists
• Customer Service Typing TestTyping test for customer service and live chat agents
• Mobile Typing Test for PhonesTest your typing speed on your phone or tablet

Frequently asked questions