Accuracy before speed: how net WPM is scored

Screening tests rarely report raw speed. They report net words per minute, which subtracts a penalty for every error. A typical rule is one word per error, so 45 gross WPM with 8 errors in a minute scores 37 net. A steadier typist at 40 gross with 2 errors scores 38 and wins.

How the maths works

Gross WPM = characters typed ÷ 5 ÷ minutes. Net WPM = gross WPM − (errors ÷ minutes). On a 60-second test every uncorrected error costs you a full word. That is why slowing down by ten percent often raises your net score.

Where errors come from

• Rushing the easy words. Common words like "the" and "and" are mistyped because the fingers move before the eyes have read the next word.
• Wrong finger on a key. If the same letter is wrong repeatedly, you are reaching with a neighbouring finger.
• Not correcting. Some tests count corrected errors, most do not. Backspace is usually cheaper than an uncorrected mistake.

Practice that lowers errors

1. Set a target of 97 percent accuracy and ignore speed for a week.
2. After each test, note the three words you got wrong and type each ten times.
3. Read one word ahead of your fingers. Your eyes should be on the next word while the current one is being typed.

When accuracy holds at 97 percent for five tests in a row, start pushing speed again. Most people gain 5–10 WPM in two weeks this way without any new drill.