How this calculator works
A word is taken as any five characters, including spaces, which is the convention behind typing tests. Gross words per minute counts every word typed inside the timed period, so a fast but sloppy typist scores well. Net words per minute deducts for errors and is a different measurement. When a test uses a fixed passage, the word count is the passage length, and the rate is that length divided by the elapsed time in minutes.
Formula
GWAM = words typed / (typing time in seconds / 60). Rearranged, words typed = GWAM x minutes, and typing time in seconds = words typed / GWAM x 60.
Worked example
Typing 300 words in 5 minutes gives 300 / 5 = 60 GWAM. At 45 GWAM, a 900 word document takes 900 / 45 = 20 minutes, or 1,200 seconds.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between GWAM and net WPM?
Gross words per minute counts everything typed. Net words per minute subtracts the mistakes, usually as a penalty per error, so it is always lower than GWAM for the same run.
Why is a word five characters?
Five characters is the traditional average word length used by typing tests and word processing statistics, because it lets a test score a passage regardless of how the words were chosen.
Is 60 GWAM a good speed?
It is a solid working speed for most office jobs, where 40 to 60 is common. Data entry and transcription roles often ask for more, and the required rate depends on the role.
Do punctuation and spaces count as characters?
Yes. If you count characters rather than words, divide by five to get the equivalent word count, which is what the keystrokes per hour calculator does.