Raw WPM and net WPM
Raw WPM divides all typed characters by five and by elapsed minutes. Net WPM uses correct characters, so unresolved mistakes do not increase the useful score.
TypingTestDaily shows both values. A large gap between them suggests that speed is being lost to incorrect keystrokes or skipped corrections.
Why the five-character convention exists
Counting literal words would make passages with many short words appear faster than passages with longer vocabulary. A standard character unit reduces that source of variation.
WPM still depends on duration, content and rules. Compare tests using the same method whenever possible, and read accuracy beside the speed score.
How to calculate WPM
Count the characters typed, including spaces and punctuation, divide by five, and then divide by the number of minutes. For example, 250 characters in one minute equals 50 raw WPM under the standard convention.
For a useful net score, remove the characters lost to uncorrected errors before applying the formula. Different testing sites may handle corrections differently, so always check the scoring rules before comparing results.
Frequently asked questions
How is typing speed calculated?
TypingTestDaily divides correct characters by five, then by elapsed minutes, to calculate net WPM. Accuracy compares correct keystrokes with all attempted keystrokes.