30-second typing test

What a 30-second test is good for

Thirty seconds is long enough to settle into a rhythm and short enough to repeat many times. Use it to warm up your fingers before a longer test or a practice session, or to try a technique change, such as keeping your eyes on the text, and see straight away whether it helps.

Short tests reward bursts, so your result here is often a few words per minute higher than on a 1-minute test and noticeably higher than on a 5-minute test. Compare short tests with short tests.

How the score is calculated

A "word" is five characters, spaces and punctuation included. Net WPM is your gross speed minus one word per minute for every error you leave uncorrected, and accuracy is the share of all your keystrokes that were right, including mistakes you fixed. The timer starts on your first key. Read the full formulas.

A five-minute warm-up routine

1. Two 30-second tests at a relaxed pace, focusing on accuracy.
2. One 30-second test pushing slightly faster than comfortable.
3. One more relaxed test. Your accuracy should come back up.
4. Move on to practice or a longer test.