CalculynQuick answer
1,250 characters in 5 minutes with 15 errors → (250 − 15) ÷ 5 = 47 net WPM at 98.8% accuracy.
How it works
Typing speed is measured in words per minute, where one 'word' is standardized as 5 characters including spaces. Net WPM subtracts errors. The average typist manages about 40 WPM; professional typists reach 65–75+.
Formula
Net WPM = (Characters ÷ 5 − Errors) ÷ Minutes
Assumptions & limitations
- Standard 5-characters-per-word convention
- Errors counted once each
Formula and assumptions reviewed October 2026 by the Calculyn team. How we build our calculators
Frequently asked questions
What is a good typing speed?
40 WPM is average, 60+ is strong for office work, and 80+ is considered fast.
Why 5 characters per word?
It's an international standard so speeds are comparable regardless of the actual words typed.