WPM and KDPH explained
Words per minute (WPM) treats every five characters, including spaces and punctuation, as one word. This standard word length keeps results fair whether a passage has short words like "is" or long ones like "administration".
Key depressions per hour (KDPH) counts every key you press and scales it to an hour. SSC states its CHSL requirement as 35 WPM or about 10,500 KDPH in English, and 30 WPM or about 9,000 KDPH in Hindi. Multiply WPM by 300 to get KDPH: 35 × 5 characters × 60 minutes = 10,500.
| Speed | Words in 10 min | Characters (approx.) | Key depressions per hour |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 WPM | 200 | 1,000 | 6,000 |
| 25 WPM | 250 | 1,250 | 7,500 |
| 30 WPM | 300 | 1,500 | 9,000 |
| 35 WPM | 350 | 1,750 | 10,500 |
| 40 WPM | 400 | 2,000 | 12,000 |
| 50 WPM | 500 | 2,500 | 15,000 |
| 60 WPM | 600 | 3,000 | 18,000 |
Speed versus accuracy
A speed test rewards fast fingers, but every exam rewards correct words. Typing 45 WPM gross with 12% errors usually produces a lower net speed than typing 38 WPM with 2% errors. Look at the accuracy and error rate on your result first. Once accuracy stays above 95% for a week, push the speed.
How to raise your speed by 10 WPM
- Stop looking at the keys. This alone often adds 10 WPM within a month.
- Use all ten fingers. Two-finger typists plateau around 30 to 35 WPM.
- Type common words as one movement: "the", "and", "of", "to", "tion" and "ment" should feel like single keys.
- Practise daily for 20 minutes rather than for two hours once a week.
Frequently asked questions
How do I convert WPM to KDPH?
Multiply WPM by 300. For example 30 WPM equals 9,000 KDPH and 35 WPM equals 10,500 KDPH.
Does backspace count as a key depression?
In this test, yes: every key you press is counted, including backspace and space. Exams may count only correct key depressions, so treat our KDPH as a slightly generous figure.
Can I get a certificate for my speed?
Yes. After any test click "Get certificate", enter your name and download a PNG certificate with your speed, accuracy and date. It is a self-assessment, not an official certificate.