How your score is calculated
RiteType reports net words per minute. In typing tests a "word" is always 5 characters, spaces included, so long and short words count fairly. We count the characters you typed correctly, divide by 5, and divide by the minutes you typed. Mistakes you leave behind don't count toward your speed, so racing ahead with errors won't raise your score.
Accuracy is the share of your keystrokes that were correct the first time. Fixing a typo with Backspace keeps your text clean, but the original miss still counts against accuracy. For the full formula with worked examples, read WPM vs CPM: how typing speed is calculated.
What's a good typing speed?
It depends on who you compare yourself with. Beginners who are still learning the keys often type in the teens or low 20s. Large studies of adults put typical speeds roughly between the high 30s and low 50s WPM, and anything past 60 WPM is fast. Kids are usually slower, and that's normal: their speed grows with practice and hand size. See real study data by age and job in our guide to average typing speed.
Accuracy matters as much as speed. Aim for 95% or higher before you try to go faster. If your accuracy drops, slow down a little and the speed will come back on its own.
Which test length should I pick?
The 1-minute test is a quick check of your top speed. The 3-minute test gives a steadier number because one bad word matters less. The 5-minute test matches the length many employers use. For children, try the kids typing test, with short easy words and the hands guide switched on.
Want to get faster? Work through the free typing lessons or warm up with a few typing games, then come back and test again.