3 Minute Typing Test
About this 3 minute typing test
You type real sentences for 3 minutes: a mix of passages on nature, everyday life, science and history, in a new order every time. The clock starts with your first key. If you finish all the text before the time is up, the test ends there. A longer test shows how well you hold your speed and accuracy when you start to tire, which is why employers like it.
Your net speed counts only words typed correctly, so mistakes you leave behind cost you speed. Raw speed counts every key you pressed. Accuracy is the share of key presses that were right the first time, so corrected mistakes still count against it. Employers usually look at net speed with at least 90 to 95% accuracy. More on how the scores work.
Questions
How is the 3 minute typing test scored?
Your score is net words per minute: the characters of every word you typed correctly, plus spaces, divided by five and by 3 minutes. Accuracy is the share of keys that were right the first time. You also see raw speed, keystrokes and a chart of your pace.
How many words can you type in 3 minutes?
At an average speed of about 40 WPM you type around 120 words in 3 minutes. At 60 WPM it is 180 words, and at 80 WPM 240. Compare with the average typing speed.
Do employers use this kind of test?
Many do. Office, data entry, transcription and customer support jobs often ask for a timed test of 1 to 5 minutes on real sentences, with a minimum net speed (often 35 to 50 WPM) and accuracy of 90 to 95%. Practise here, then print a certificate of your best result.
Is the text the same every time?
No. The test mixes passages on nature, everyday life, science and history in a new order each time, so you cannot learn it by heart. Press the repeat button on the result screen to type the same text again.