How to Test Your Typing Speed
A necessary job skill to have in the world of computing and office technology is the ability to type in a fast and accurate manner. Employers frequently outline a word-per-minute requirement in job qualifications.
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Speed
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Calculate the speed that you record for a per-minute typing exam. Many websites have tests that record how many words are accurately recorded in one minute by conducting a minute-long test. Try multiple sites to get an estimated average of speed.
Accuracy
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Measure accuracy in a number of ways that include but are not limited to upper and lower case letters, varied punctuation and words that are uncommon or difficult to spell. Doing this ensures that the words are not second-nature and displays a direct link between seeing the word and typing it effectively.
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Do it Manually
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Perform a test that is solely based on words per minute without accuracy calculated by grabbing a book and setting a timer for 60 seconds. Type until it goes off and manually count how many words were typed. You can also do it twice and average the times together for a base rate.
Factors Affecting WPM
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In word-per-minute tests, "words" are standardized to equal five key strokes. The word idiom would be one word while the phrase "go running" would equal two words because the space is considered a key stroke.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit keyboard image by Andrey Kurehin from Fotolia.com
