A free typing test measures how many words per minute you type and how accurate you are, usually over one to five minutes in your browser. Quick tests suit a fast check, longer tests give a steadier score, and race-style tests make practice more fun. Take the same test a few times and use your average, not your best run.
Typing speed matters more than most people think. It decides how quickly you can clear your inbox, write a report or fill in a job application, and some jobs ask for a minimum speed before they'll even interview you.
Here are nine free typing test sites, in no particular order and sorted alphabetically. Some give you a plain one-minute test, some let you practise with your own text, and a couple turn the test into a race against other people.
They all work in a web browser, so there's nothing to install. You'll get a words per minute score and usually an accuracy score, which is the part employers care about just as much.
Before you take one, it helps to know how that score is worked out, because it isn't quite what most people assume.
Typing test sites side by side
In the free plan column, Yes means the site's own pages describe free access, Trial only means a time-limited trial, and No means neither is stated there. Free access often comes with limits, so check what's included before you rely on it.
| Tool | Type | Good for | Free plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10FastFingers | Typing test site | Quick tests in many languages | Yes |
| Key Hero | Typing test and practice | Tests using real text passages | Yes |
| LiveChat Typing Test | Typing speed test | A simple one-minute speed check | Yes |
| Ratatype | Typing tutor and test | Testing and learning in one place | Yes |
| Speed Typing Online | Typing test site | Choosing test length and text | Yes |
| TypeRacer | Typing race game | Racing other typists in real time | Yes |
| Typing.com | Typing tutor and test | A free one-minute WPM test | Yes |
| TypingStudy | Touch typing practice | Learning to touch type step by step | Yes |
| TypingTest.com | Typing test site | Tests of different lengths | Yes |
Nine free typing tests to try
10FastFingers
Best for: People who want a quick test with no account, including tests in languages other than English.
Key Hero
Best for: Typists who'd rather test themselves on real passages of text than random lists of words.
LiveChat Typing Test
Best for: Anyone who wants a quick, clean one-minute check of their speed before a job application.
Ratatype
Best for: Learners who want a typing test alongside lessons to improve their speed over time.
Speed Typing Online
Best for: Typists who like to pick the test length and the kind of text they type.
TypeRacer
Best for: Competitive typists who'd rather race other people than stare at a timer on their own.
Typing.com
Best for: Students and job seekers who want a one-minute WPM test with clear results.
TypingStudy
Best for: Beginners who want to learn touch typing from the home row upwards, one step at a time.
TypingTest.com
Best for: People who want to compare short and long tests to see how their speed holds up.
How words per minute is worked out
Here's the part most people get wrong. Typing.com explains that words per minute is the number of characters, including spaces and punctuation, typed in one minute and then divided by five. So a word isn't a word: by that rule, a short phrase like 'I can' counts as one word and a longer word counts as two.
That's why your score can jump around depending on the text. A passage full of long words and punctuation feels slower, even though the maths treats every five characters the same. If you're comparing scores, use the same site and a similar kind of text each time.
Getting an honest typing score
- Warm up: type for a couple of minutes before the test that counts.
- Accuracy first: a fast score full of errors won't impress anyone.
- Same setup: use the same keyboard and chair each time you test.
- Several runs: take three tests and use the average.
- Longer tests: a few minutes gives a steadier score than one minute.
Raising your typing speed week by week
- Take a test to find your starting speed and accuracy.
- Learn the home row and stop looking at the keys.
- Practise for ten minutes a day, little and often.
- Slow down when you make mistakes and let speed follow.
- Retest once a week and note your average score.
Where a fast typing speed pays off
Typing speed is a real advantage in transcription work, where every minute of audio has to be typed up. If you're thinking about it, here's how to get into transcription jobs from home as a beginner.
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And before you apply anywhere, read what to know before taking a medical transcription job from home, so your new speed goes to good use.
Do you make typing tests or typing tutors? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.
My plain advice on typing tests
Don't chase a big number on day one. Find your honest average, then work on accuracy, because speed follows accuracy, not the other way round.
If you're preparing for a job that asks for a typing score, practise on the kind of text you'll be tested on, and take the test when you're fresh rather than at the end of a long day.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good typing speed?
It depends on the job. Many office roles are happy with a steady, accurate speed, and accuracy matters as much as words per minute.
How is words per minute calculated?
Characters typed in one minute, including spaces and punctuation, divided by five.
Are typing tests free?
Yes. All the tests on this list can be taken free in a web browser.
How long should a typing test be?
One minute is fine for a quick check. Longer tests give a more reliable score.
Does accuracy matter in a typing test?
Yes. Most tests show accuracy, and employers usually look at both numbers.
Can I take a typing test on my phone?
Some sites work on phones, but a real keyboard gives a far more accurate result.
How can I type faster?
Learn touch typing, practise a little each day and focus on accuracy before speed.
Why is my typing score different on each site?
Sites use different texts and rules, so compare scores on the same site.
Do I need an account for a typing test?
Not usually. Most sites let you test without signing up, though accounts can save your history.
Can I get a typing certificate?
Some sites offer a certificate or shareable result, which can help with job applications.
Is touch typing worth learning?
Yes. It's the most reliable way to raise both your speed and accuracy.
How often should I test my typing speed?
Once a week is enough to see progress without obsessing over the number.
