Now that you understand the science behind typing speed, it's time to determine your starting point. An accurate assessment serves several crucial purposes:
In this chapter, I'll guide you through a comprehensive typing assessment and help you interpret the results.
Before starting any practice, you need to know where you stand. The following assessment will measure your current typing speed, accuracy, and specific pain points.
Find a quiet space where you won't be interrupted for at least 10 minutes.
Visit TypeTest.io and select the standard typing test option. If you prefer, you can use another reputable typing test site, but make sure it measures both speed and accuracy.
Complete three 2-minute typing tests with a short break between each. This provides a more reliable average than a single test, which might be unusually good or bad.
Use normal content for your tests—not programming text or specialized vocabulary unless that specifically matches your typing goals.
Type naturally at a comfortable pace. Don't try to push beyond your normal speed for this baseline test—I want an accurate picture of your current abilities.
Record your results for each test, noting:
If you don't have immediate access to TypeTest.io or another online typing test, you can create a simple assessment using any text editor:
While less precise than a dedicated typing test, this method still provides a useful baseline.
Words per minute (WPM) is the standard measurement of typing speed. But what does your WPM actually tell you?
The following ranges can help you contextualize your current speed:
0-30 WPM: Beginner level. Typically indicates hunt-and-peck typing or very early stages of touch typing.
31-60 WPM: Intermediate level. You likely know where most keys are but still look at the keyboard occasionally. This range is adequate for personal use but may limit professional productivity.
61-80 WPM: Proficient level. You can handle most typing tasks efficiently. This range represents solid touch typing skills that serve most professional needs.
81-100 WPM: Advanced level. You type without thinking about the mechanics. This speed is sufficient for nearly all professional typing requirements.
101+ WPM: Expert level. You've developed exceptional typing efficiency. This speed is common among professional transcriptionists, certain programmers, and competitive typists.
Remember that these ranges are generalizations. The "right" typing speed depends on your specific needs and goals. A casual computer user might be perfectly content at 45 WPM, while a data entry professional might need to reach 80+ WPM for optimal productivity.
There's an important distinction between peak speed and sustained speed. Many typists can reach impressive WPM in short bursts but struggle to maintain that pace over longer periods.
Your baseline test measures relatively short-term performance. As you progress through this program, we'll also work on developing typing stamina—the ability to maintain high speeds during extended typing sessions without increased errors or discomfort.
Raw speed numbers only tell part of the story. To improve efficiently, you need to identify the specific aspects of typing that are holding you back.
Review your test results and typing habits for these common patterns:
Errors in typing generally fall into several categories:
The TypeTest.io assessment provides an error analysis that highlights which specific keys and key combinations caused you the most trouble. Pay close attention to this data—it reveals the exact areas where targeted practice will yield the greatest improvements.
With your baseline established, it's time to set specific, achievable goals for the 5-week program.
For maximum effectiveness, frame your primary typing goal in SMART terms:
Write your SMART goal in the progress tracking template provided in Appendix B. Seeing this goal written down—and eventually achieved—provides powerful motivation throughout your typing journey.
Before moving on to the mechanics of efficient typing in Chapter 3, take a moment to create a brief "typing profile" that summarizes:
This profile will serve as a reference point throughout the program and help you appreciate your progress as you develop your typing skills.
With your baseline established and goals set, you're ready to learn the proper mechanics that will form the foundation of your improved typing technique.