Net WPM vs Gross WPM
Gross WPM, net WPM and accuracy explained with examples, plus how CPCT counts net words per minute. Understand the number on your typing result before exam day.
Two speeds, one result
Gross WPM is how much you typed per minute, right or wrong. Net WPM is how much of it was correct. Exams care about net speed.
Character-based WPM (most typing websites)
- One "word" = 5 characters, including spaces
- Gross WPM = (characters typed ÷ 5) ÷ minutes
- Net WPM = correctly typed characters ÷ 5 ÷ minutes
Word-based net speed (CPCT)
- Words are split at spaces and compared with the passage
- NWPM = correct words ÷ minutes; accuracy = NWPM × 100 ÷ GWPM
- Example: 330 words in 15 minutes, 300 correct → 20 NWPM, 91% accuracy
Because exams use different rules, always score your practice with the formula of the exam you are preparing for — our mock tests do this per exam.
Full details, the scaled score table and the official source: CPCT typing test official rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between gross and net WPM?
Gross WPM counts everything you typed; net WPM counts only what was correct.
How does CPCT calculate net speed?
CPCT counts the words that exactly match the passage and divides by the minutes taken: NWPM = correct words ÷ minutes.
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