Study Skills
Words per minute
Word count divided by elapsed minutes. The same form works for reading speed, typing speed and transcription rate.
The Formula
wpm = words / minutes
Word count divided by elapsed minutes. The same form works for reading speed, typing speed and transcription rate.
| Symbol | Meaning | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| r | Rate | number | Words per minute. |
| w | Words | count | Total words read or typed. |
| m | Minutes | number | Elapsed time from start to finish. |
What Each Symbol Means
rnumber
Rate
Words per minute.
wcount
Words
Total words read or typed.
mnumber
Minutes
Elapsed time from start to finish.
See It Worked With Real Numbers
A formula on its own does not tell you which number goes where. The how to calculate words per minute page applies this equation to a concrete case, shows every intermediate step, and names the mistakes that produce a wrong answer even when the algebra is right.
Where This Formula Appears
This equation is the working core of How To Calculate Words Per Minute, filed under Education. Every number the guide produces comes from substituting into this one line.