Quick Start Guide
Get started with Monkeytype and take your first typing test in just a few simple steps. No account required to begin!Taking Your First Test
Visit Monkeytype
Navigate to monkeytype.com in your web browser. The site will load with a clean, minimalist interface showing the typing test area.
Monkeytype works best on desktop browsers. While mobile support exists, typing tests are optimized for keyboard input.
Choose Your Test Settings
Before starting, you can customize your test using the options at the top of the page:
- Mode: Select between
time,words,quote,zen, orcustom - Duration/Count: Choose test length (e.g., 15s, 30s, 60s for time mode or 10, 25, 50, 100 for words mode)
- Language: Pick from numerous supported languages (default is English)
- Punctuation: Toggle punctuation marks in the test text
- Numbers: Toggle numbers in the test text
Start Typing
Simply click on the typing area or start typing to begin the test immediately. You’ll see:
- White text: Words you need to type
- Timer: Countdown showing remaining time (top-right)
- Live WPM: Your current words per minute (top-right)
- Live Accuracy: Your typing accuracy percentage (top-right)
- Correct characters appear in white
- Incorrect characters appear in red
- Extra characters are highlighted
- The active character has a blinking caret
The test starts automatically when you begin typing. No need to click a “Start” button.
Complete the Test
Keep typing until the timer runs out (or until you’ve typed all the words in words mode). The test will automatically end and show your results.During the test, you can:
- Press
Backspaceto correct mistakes - Press
TaborEscto restart the test (if quick restart is enabled) - Press
Ctrl + Shift + Pto pause (creates a pause screen overlay)
View Your Results
After completing the test, you’ll see a detailed results screen showing:
- WPM (Words Per Minute): Your typing speed
- Accuracy: Percentage of correctly typed characters
- Raw WPM: Speed including errors
- Consistency: How steady your typing speed was throughout the test
- Character Stats: Correct, incorrect, extra, and missed characters
- Time Typing: Total time spent typing (excluding pauses)
Creating an Account (Optional)
While you can use Monkeytype without an account, creating one unlocks powerful features:Click the Account Icon
Click the account icon in the top-right corner of the page, or press
Ctrl + Shift + A to open the account menu.Sign Up
Choose your preferred authentication method:
- Email and password
- Google account
- GitHub account
Email verification may be required depending on your chosen authentication method.
Keyboard Shortcuts
Monkeytype includes numerous keyboard shortcuts to enhance your experience:| Shortcut | Action |
|---|---|
Tab or Esc | Quick restart (when enabled) |
Ctrl + Shift + P | Toggle command palette |
Ctrl + Shift + A | Open account menu |
Ctrl + Shift + T | Toggle theme |
Ctrl + Shift + C | Open configuration |
Ctrl + Shift + K | Toggle keyboard display |
Customizing Your Experience
After taking your first test, explore these customization options:Change Theme
- Click the theme button (bottom-right) or press
Ctrl + Shift + T - Browse through 400+ available themes
- Preview themes in real-time
- Favorite themes for quick access
- Create custom themes with your own colors
Adjust Test Settings
Click the settings icon or pressCtrl + Shift + C to access:
- Caret Style: Choose from default, block, outline, underline, or fun options (carrot, banana, monkey)
- Smooth Caret: Set caret animation speed (off, slow, medium, fast)
- Confidence Mode: Hide previous words as you type
- Stop on Error: Prevent progression until errors are corrected
- Quick Restart: Set restart key preference (off, esc, tab, enter)
- Sound Effects: Enable typing sounds and error alerts
- Font: Choose from numerous font options
Try Different Modes
Time Mode
Test your speed for a specific duration. Great for consistent benchmarking.
Words Mode
Type a set number of words. Perfect for short, focused practice sessions.
Quote Mode
Practice with real quotes from books, movies, and famous speeches.
Zen Mode
Type freely without limits. Ideal for warming up or stress-free practice.
Next Steps
Explore Features
Discover all the features Monkeytype offers, from funbox modes to detailed analytics.
Join the Community
Connect with other typists on Discord to share tips and participate in challenges.
API Documentation
Learn how to integrate Monkeytype data into your own applications.
Contribute
Help improve Monkeytype by contributing themes, features, or bug fixes.
Common Questions
What is a good WPM for beginners?
What is a good WPM for beginners?
Average typing speed is around 40 WPM. Beginners typically score 20-40 WPM, while experienced typists can reach 60-80 WPM. Professional typists often exceed 100 WPM.
Why does my WPM vary between tests?
Why does my WPM vary between tests?
WPM naturally varies based on text difficulty, familiarity with words, punctuation/numbers, and current focus. Consistency improves with practice.
Should I look at the keyboard while typing?
Should I look at the keyboard while typing?
Touch typing (typing without looking at the keyboard) is generally faster and more efficient. Monkeytype’s real-time feedback helps you learn touch typing naturally.
How are personal bests calculated?
How are personal bests calculated?
Personal bests (PBs) are tracked separately for each combination of mode, duration/word count, language, difficulty, and punctuation/numbers settings.
Do I need to correct all mistakes?
Do I need to correct all mistakes?
Not by default. You can enable “Stop on Error” mode if you want to be forced to correct mistakes before continuing.