Detailed Answer
WPM stands for 'Words Per Minute' – the standard unit for typing speed. One 'word' is defined as five characters (letters, numbers, punctuation, or spaces). For example, 'table' (5 letters) equals one word; 'hello!' (5 letters + 1 punctuation = 6 characters = 1.2 words). In most typing tests, gross WPM = (total characters typed / 5) / minutes. Net WPM = gross WPM minus penalties for errors. A WPM of 40 is average; 60–70 is fast; over 100 is professional/expert level.