TypeSprintWhat a 30-second test is good for
Thirty seconds is long enough to measure your burst speed — how fast you type when you are fully focused — and short enough to repeat five or six times in a few minutes. That makes it ideal for warming up before a longer test, for practicing a new technique, or for a quick competition with friends.
Why your 30-second score is higher
Most people score a few WPM higher on a 30-second test than on a 1-minute test, and noticeably higher than on a 5-minute test. Short tests reward bursts of speed and do not test stamina, so one fast stretch can carry the result. If you need a score for a job application, use a longer test.
Get the most from short tests
- Take three tests in a row and look at the middle score, not the best one.
- Focus on accuracy: one wrong word costs more in a short test.
- Keep your eyes one word ahead of the word you are typing.
How your score is calculated
Every five correctly typed characters, including spaces, count as one word. Your WPM is the number of those words divided by the test length in minutes, so mistyped words do not count. Accuracy is the share of keys you pressed correctly. Read more about what your number means in our guide to the average typing speed.
Frequently asked questions
How is WPM calculated in a 30 second test?
Every five correctly typed characters (including spaces) count as one word. The number of words is then doubled to give words per minute, because the test is half a minute long.
Is a 30 second typing test accurate?
It is accurate for burst speed, but because it is short, one good or bad word changes your score a lot. Average three tests or use a 1-minute test for a steadier number.
What is a good score on a 30 second typing test?
Around 40 WPM is average for adults. 60 WPM or more is fast, and above 80 WPM puts you in the top few percent of typists.