Typing Glossary
A comprehensive dictionary of typing terms, measurements, and concepts. Learn what WPM, accuracy, touch typing, and other terms mean.
A
Accuracy
The percentage of characters typed correctly. Calculated as (Correct Characters / Total Characters) × 100. High accuracy (95%+) is essential for professional typing.
Example: If you type 100 characters and 95 are correct, your accuracy is 95%.
Adjusted Accuracy
Accuracy calculated after corrections. If you fix a mistake, only the final correct character is counted.
Actuation Point
The point in a key press where the keystroke is registered. Mechanical keyboards have varying actuation points depending on switch type.
B
Backspace Penalty
In some typing tests, using backspace to correct errors may count as additional keystrokes or still count the original error. Different tests have different backspace policies.
Bottoming Out
Pressing a key all the way down until it hits the keyboard base. Can slow typing and increase finger fatigue.
C
CPM (Characters Per Minute)
An alternative speed measurement counting individual characters typed per minute. CPM = WPM × 5.
Example: A typist at 60 WPM has a CPM of 300.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
A condition where the median nerve in the wrist is compressed, causing pain, numbness, and weakness. Can be caused or worsened by improper typing posture.
D
Dvorak
An alternative keyboard layout designed in 1936 for typing efficiency. Places common letters on the home row and reduces finger travel.
E
Error Rate
The percentage or count of mistakes made while typing. Can be expressed as errors per word, per 100 characters, or as a percentage.
Ergonomics
The study of designing equipment and workspaces for efficiency and comfort. Proper typing ergonomics prevents repetitive strain injuries.
F
Fixed-Length Test
A typing test with a fixed amount of text. Time taken to complete the passage determines your speed.
G
Gross Speed
Your raw typing speed before any error penalties are applied. This counts all characters typed, including mistakes.
H
Hunt and Peck
A typing method where the typist looks at the keyboard and uses one or two fingers to "hunt" for each key. This method is slow and inefficient compared to touch typing.
Home Row
The middle row of letter keys (ASDF JKL;) where fingers rest when not actively typing. The home row is the foundation of touch typing technique.
I
Inscript
The Indian Script keyboard layout standardized by the Government of India. Phonetically organized and used for multiple Indian languages.
K
KDPH (Key Depressions Per Hour)
A measurement used for data entry speed, counting total keystrokes per hour. Used in some government exams like SSC DEO (Data Entry Operator) tests.
Example: 8,000 KDPH means 8,000 keystrokes in one hour, or about 133 per minute.
Kruti Dev
A popular Hindi font used in many government typing exams. Non-Unicode font with Remington-style keyboard layout.
M
Muscle Memory
The ability to perform physical actions automatically without conscious thought, developed through repetition. In typing, it allows fingers to find keys without looking.
Mangal
A Unicode Hindi font used in SSC and modern government systems. Works with Inscript or Remington GAIL keyboard layouts.
Mechanical Keyboard
A keyboard using individual mechanical switches for each key, typically offering better feedback, durability, and typing experience than membrane keyboards.
Merit-Based Test
A typing test where your actual speed affects your ranking or score. Higher speed means better results.
N
Net Speed
Your adjusted typing speed after accounting for errors. Net Speed = Gross Speed - (Errors × Penalty). This is the speed that matters for exams.
Example: If your gross speed is 40 WPM with 10 errors (0.5 WPM penalty each), net speed is 40 - 5 = 35 WPM.
P
Passage
The text provided for typing in a typing test. May be a paragraph, article excerpt, or series of random words.
Q
QWERTY
The standard keyboard layout used in most English-speaking countries, named after the first six letters on the top row. Designed in 1873 for typewriters.
Qualifying Test
A typing test where you must meet a minimum speed requirement to pass, regardless of how fast you type above that threshold. Common in government exams.
R
Raw Accuracy
Accuracy calculated without considering corrections. Even if you fix a mistake with backspace, the original error is counted.
Remington GAIL
A Hindi keyboard layout similar to the traditional Remington typewriter layout, popular among experienced typists.
Raavi
A Punjabi Unicode font commonly used in Punjab government typing exams and official documents.
RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)
Injuries caused by repetitive movements, including typing. Symptoms include pain, numbness, and weakness in hands, wrists, or arms.
T
Touch Typing
The ability to type without looking at the keyboard, using muscle memory to locate keys. Touch typists use all ten fingers and maintain eyes on the screen.
Typing Test
A timed exercise to measure typing speed and accuracy. May involve copying text, taking dictation, or composing original content.
Typing Tutor
Software or program designed to teach typing skills, typically through structured lessons progressing from basic key placement to full speed typing.
Touch Typing Test
A typing test specifically designed to assess touch typing ability, often blocking view of the keyboard or requiring specific finger usage.
Timed Test
A typing test with a fixed duration (e.g., 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes). Speed is calculated based on what you type within the time limit.
W
WPM (Words Per Minute)
The standard measurement for typing speed. It represents the number of words you can type in one minute. A "word" is standardized as 5 characters (including spaces), so WPM = (Total Characters / 5) / Minutes.
Example: If you type 250 characters in 1 minute, your WPM is 250/5 = 50 WPM.