Typing guide
How the typing test works, what the numbers mean, and practical ways to get more accurate.
Taking the typing test
- Choose a length (15, 30 or 60 seconds) and a mode: Words (common lowercase words) or Sentences (capitals and punctuation).
- The timer starts on your first keystroke, not when the page opens.
- Type the highlighted text. Mistyped characters are marked; you can use Backspace to fix them.
- When time runs out you see WPM, accuracy and errors. Press restart to try again with new text.
How WPM is calculated
Keybound uses the standard convention that one "word" is five characters, including spaces:
WPM = correct characters ÷ 5 ÷ minutes elapsed
Only characters that match the text count, so typing fast with lots of errors doesn't raise your WPM. For example, 150 correct characters in 30 seconds is 150 ÷ 5 ÷ 0.5 = 60 WPM.
How accuracy is calculated
Accuracy = correct keystrokes ÷ all character keystrokes × 100
Every character key you press is counted, and Backspace never undoes an attempt. If you type a wrong letter and correct it, the mistake still counts against accuracy — so accuracy reflects how often you hit the right key first time.
The home row
Rest your left fingers on A S D F and right fingers on J K L ;, thumbs on the space bar. The small bumps on F and J let you find position without looking. Each finger reaches up and down from its home key and returns there. Our Home row lesson uses only these keys.
Improving accuracy
- Slow down until you make few mistakes, then let speed rise on its own.
- Keep your eyes on the screen rather than the keyboard.
- Notice which letters you miss. Keybound's "Missed letters" lesson builds drills from them automatically.
- Relax your hands and shoulders; tension causes errors.
A simple practice routine (10 minutes)
- 2 minutes — Home row lesson to warm up.
- 3 minutes — Common words or Missed letters lesson.
- 1 minute — one 60-second typing test to measure.
- 4 minutes — a relaxed round in the Arcade.
Short regular sessions are easier to keep up than occasional long ones. Your results appear on My Progress.
Game-by-game rules and controls are on the How to play page. Common questions are answered in the FAQ.