Convert characters per minute to words per minute or back using a standard or custom word length, with accuracy adjustment and a timed-sample mode.

Convert character throughput using a chosen word definition.

A conventional typing word is five characters, including spaces and punctuation. Accuracy-adjusted WPM here is correct-character throughput, not every test provider’s net-score formula.

Optional settings

Blank means 100%; only the adjusted equivalent changes.

CPM To WPM Formula

The following default conversion uses a five-character word-equivalent. In general WPM = CPM / characters per word, and CPM = WPM × characters per word. The 4.7 and custom choices are explicit assumptions.

WPM = CPM / 5

Variables:

  • WPM is the words per minute
  • CPM is the characters per minute

For the five-character typing convention, divide characters per minute by 5. This word-equivalent includes spaces and punctuation and is not the average length of actual words in a passage. Timed sample mode uses all characters in a separately timed interval; count consistently with your timing method. Its accuracy-adjusted equivalent uses correct-character throughput and may differ from a test provider’s net-score formula. Time estimates exclude pauses and editing.

CPM to WPM Conversion Table (Assumes Average Characters per Word = 5)
Characters per Minute (CPM) Words per Minute (WPM)
10020
12525
15030
17535
20040
22545
25050
27555
30060
32565
35070
37575
40080
42585
45090
47595
500100
525105
550110
600120
* Exact values using CPW = 5. Formula: WPM = CPM ÷ CPW; CPM = WPM × CPW. With CPW = 5, 1 WPM = 5 CPM.

What is Words Per Minute (WPM)?

Words per minute (WPM) is a measure of typing speed, commonly used to assess the efficiency of typists, writers, and keyboard users. The standard measure of WPM is based on the assumption that a word consists of five characters, including spaces and punctuation. WPM is an important metric for jobs that require proficient typing skills.

How to Calculate Words Per Minute?

The following steps outline how to convert Characters Per Minute (CPM) to Words Per Minute (WPM).

  1. First, determine the number of characters typed in one minute (CPM).
  2. Next, use the formula WPM = CPM / 5.
  3. Finally, calculate the Words Per Minute (WPM).
  4. After inserting the variable and calculating the result, check your answer with the calculator above.

Example Problem :

Use the following variable as an example problem to test your knowledge.

characters typed in one minute (CPM) = 300