How to calculate WPM (typing speed) correctly
Short answer: WPM = (correct characters ÷ 5) ÷ minutes. A "word" is 5 characters including spaces, and only characters you typed correctly count.
The formula
If you type 1,250 correct characters in 5 minutes: 1,250 ÷ 5 = 250 words, 250 ÷ 5 minutes = 50 WPM.
Gross WPM vs net WPM
Gross WPM counts every key you pressed, errors included. Net WPM counts only correct characters (or subtracts errors). Net WPM reflects usable speed and is what job typing tests usually ask for.
Accuracy
Accuracy = correct characters ÷ total typed characters × 100. 95% or higher is a good target before you push for speed.
CPM and KPH
CPM is characters per minute (WPM × 5). KPH, keystrokes per hour, is used in some data entry tests (CPM × 60).
Why apps disagree
Apps differ on whether capital letters must match, whether errors are subtracted, and whether the first character is counted. Pick one app with a published formula and compare yourself only to your own history.
Doing it with Typestride
Typestride checks every character, capital letters included, shows WPM, CPM, KPH, accuracy and errors, and prints the formula it uses on the result card.
FAQ
What is a word in WPM?
Five characters, including spaces and punctuation. It keeps scores comparable no matter how long the real words are.
What is the difference between WPM and CPM?
CPM counts characters per minute. WPM is CPM divided by 5.
Why does another app show a higher WPM?
Many apps count all typed characters (gross WPM) or ignore case errors. Counting only correct characters gives a lower but honest number.