WPM, CPM and KPH explained (and how to calculate each)
WPM is words per minute, where a word is 5 characters. CPM is characters per minute (WPM x 5). KPH is keystrokes per hour (CPM x 60), used for 10 key and data entry jobs. So 60 WPM = 300 CPM = 18,000 KPH. Employers usually ask for net WPM, which takes off your mistakes.
Typing speed shows up in three different units, and job listings mix them freely: "45 WPM", "250 CPM", "10,000 KPH". They all measure the same thing at different scales. Here is what each one means, how to calculate it, and how to convert between them.
Want the numbers without the maths? Use the WPM calculator.
WPM: words per minute
WPM counts a standard word of 5 characters, including spaces and punctuation, so long and short words count fairly. The formula:
Gross WPM = (characters typed / 5) / minutes
Example: 1,200 characters in 4 minutes is 1,200 / 5 / 4 = 60 WPM.
Net WPM vs gross WPM
Gross (or raw) WPM counts every key you pressed. Net WPM takes off your mistakes, usually one word for each uncorrected error:
Net WPM = ((characters / 5) - errors) / minutes
Example: the same 1,200 characters in 4 minutes with 8 errors is (240 - 8) / 4 = 58 net WPM. Employers usually ask for net WPM, so it is the number to practise with. Our typing test shows both: WPM is net, raw is gross.
CPM: characters per minute
CPM is the number of characters typed in a minute. It is simply WPM x 5. Some tests, especially in Europe and Asia, report CPM because it does not depend on word length. 300 CPM is 60 WPM; 200 CPM is 40 WPM.
KPH: keystrokes per hour
KPH counts keystrokes per hour and is the standard unit for 10 key (numeric keypad) and many data entry tests. For text typing, KPH = CPM x 60 = WPM x 300.
On a 10 key test every digit and every Enter press counts as a keystroke. Data entry jobs commonly ask for 8,000 to 10,000 net KPH, and above 12,000 is excellent. Practise on the 10 key typing test.
Turn words, characters and time into WPM, CPM, KPH and accuracy in seconds.
Open the WPM calculatorQuick conversion chart
- 30 WPM = 150 CPM = 9,000 KPH
- 40 WPM = 200 CPM = 12,000 KPH
- 50 WPM = 250 CPM = 15,000 KPH
- 60 WPM = 300 CPM = 18,000 KPH
- 80 WPM = 400 CPM = 24,000 KPH
- 100 WPM = 500 CPM = 30,000 KPH
Which unit do employers use?
- Office, admin, transcription, legal, medical: net WPM with an accuracy percentage. See typing tests for jobs.
- Data entry: WPM for text, often plus KPH for numbers.
- Accounting, billing, banking: 10 key KPH.
A KPH figure for text and a KPH figure for the numeric keypad are not directly comparable: keypad entries are short numbers with an Enter after each one.
Frequently asked questions
How many KPH is 40 WPM?
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About 12,000 KPH for text typing: 40 WPM x 5 characters x 60 minutes.
Is CPM the same as KPM?
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Roughly. CPM counts characters; keystrokes per minute (KPM) also counts keys like Shift and Backspace, so it can be a little higher.
Why is a word 5 characters?
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It is a long standing convention that makes speeds comparable no matter which words appear in the test. The average English word plus a space is close to 5 to 6 characters.
Do spaces count?
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Yes. Spaces and punctuation are characters, so they count toward WPM, CPM and KPH.
Turn words, characters and time into WPM, CPM, KPH and accuracy in seconds.
Keep reading
Typing test for employment: what employers check and how to pass
How pre-employment typing tests work, the WPM and accuracy employers ask for, the common test formats, and a one week plan to pass your typing test.
How long does it take to type a page? Times by typing speed
How long it takes to type one page, 1,000 words or a full essay at 30, 40, 60 and 80 WPM, with a quick formula and tips to type pages faster.
Typing speed by age and job: what WPM should you aim for?
Realistic typing speed goals by age, from young kids to adults, plus the WPM that office, data entry, transcription and other jobs usually ask for.