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Monkeytype offers several test modes to suit different practice styles and goals. Each mode challenges you in unique ways to improve your typing speed and accuracy.

Available Test Modes

Time Mode

Type as many words as you can within a fixed time limit.Available Durations:
  • 15 seconds
  • 30 seconds
  • 60 seconds
  • 120 seconds
  • Custom duration
How it works:
  • Test starts when you begin typing
  • Timer counts down from your selected duration
  • Test ends automatically when time expires
  • New words are continuously generated until time runs out
Best for: Quick practice sessions, competing on leaderboards, and tracking consistent performance over standard intervals.
Tests under 15 seconds are not saved to your account.

Test Configuration

Common Options (All Modes)

Adds punctuation marks to words (periods, commas, quotes, etc.).
  • Disabled in quote and zen modes
  • Increases difficulty and realism
  • Tests your shift key usage
Mixes numbers into the word list.
  • Disabled in quote and zen modes
  • Tests number row proficiency
  • Useful for programming practice
Select from hundreds of languages and word lists.
  • Default: English
  • Includes programming languages (JavaScript, Python, etc.)
  • Special lists: English 1k, 10k, 25k, etc.

Invalid Tests

Tests will not be saved if they:
  • Are too short (under 15 seconds or 10 words)
  • Detect AFK (away from keyboard)
  • Are repeated tests (using the same wordset)
  • Have unusual WPM values (over 350 WPM for most modes)
  • Have accuracy outside valid ranges

Tips for Each Mode

Time Mode Tips

  • Maintain consistency throughout
  • Don’t slow down near the end
  • 60s tests are best for leaderboards

Words Mode Tips

  • Great for testing peak performance
  • 10-word tests measure burst speed
  • 50+ word tests measure endurance

Quote Mode Tips

  • Practice real-world typing
  • Rate quotes to improve the database
  • Use favorite quotes for benchmark tests

Custom Mode Tips

  • Save frequently used texts with names
  • Use pipe delimiter for structured practice
  • Great for certification test prep

Mode-Specific Source Code References

The test modes are implemented in:
  • Mode logic: frontend/src/ts/test/test-logic.ts:387-392
  • Word generation: frontend/src/ts/test/words-generator.ts
  • Configuration: frontend/src/ts/config-metadata.ts:148-180

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