This CPM typing test measures your speed in characters per minute. CPM counts every correct keystroke, so because one word is five characters, CPM = WPM × 5. Type the passage below to see your live CPM, WPM and accuracy.
CPM means characters per minute — the number of correct characters you type in one minute, counting letters, numbers, spaces and symbols. It is simply a finer-grained version of typing speed. Because a word is defined as five characters, CPM = WPM × 5. The table below converts between the two.
| WPM | CPM (= WPM × 5) | Level |
|---|---|---|
| 20 WPM | 100 CPM | Beginner |
| 40 WPM | 200 CPM | Average adult |
| 60 WPM | 300 CPM | Good / office standard |
| 80 WPM | 400 CPM | Fast |
| 100 WPM | 500 CPM | Top ~1% |
WPM and CPM measure the same thing on different scales, so neither is more accurate. WPM is the standard for ordinary prose typing. CPM is more common for numeric and data-entry work done on the number keypad, where whole words do not apply.
This test shows both your live CPM and WPM. For prose, see the words per minute test; for digits, try the number typing test.
The average adult types about 200 CPM (40 WPM). A good CPM is 250–300 (50–60 WPM), and 400+ CPM (80 WPM) is fast. Numeric data-entry roles commonly require at least 165 CPM on the keypad with 95%+ accuracy. See the full average typing speed benchmarks for context.
CPM stands for characters per minute — the number of correct characters you type in one minute, counting letters, numbers, spaces and symbols. It is a finer-grained measure of typing speed than WPM.
Divide CPM by 5, because a word is defined as five characters. So 300 CPM equals 60 WPM and 200 CPM equals 40 WPM. To go the other way, WPM × 5 = CPM.
The average adult types about 200 CPM (40 WPM). A good CPM is 250–300 (50–60 WPM), and 400+ CPM (80+ WPM) is fast. Numeric data-entry roles often require at least 165 CPM.
Numeric data entry is done on the number keypad where whole words do not apply, so speed is measured in characters (or keystrokes) per minute. Employers commonly ask for at least 165 CPM with 95%+ accuracy.
Neither is better — they measure the same thing on different scales (CPM = WPM × 5). WPM is the standard for prose typing; CPM is more common for numeric and data-entry work.