Frequently Asked Questions

AksharType is a free, minimalistic typing test and analytics platform that supports English, Hindi (Devanagari script), and Hinglish (Hindi words in Latin script). It provides accurate WPM, accuracy, consistency, and detailed performance breakdowns.

Yes! The core typing test, analytics, profile, and leaderboards are completely free. No ads are shown during tests. Premium features (when available) will be additive — core functionality will always remain free.

No — you can take typing tests without creating an account. However, results from anonymous tests are not saved to the database, so they won't appear on your profile or leaderboards. Creating a free account lets you save results, track personal bests, and compete globally.

AksharType works best on modern browsers: Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari (latest 2 versions). Mobile browsers are supported but desktop is recommended for the most accurate typing experience.

Every 5 keystrokes counts as one "word" (standard WPM definition). Net WPM counts only correct characters — incorrect, extra, and missed characters are deducted. Raw WPM includes all keystrokes regardless of accuracy. Both are calculated using the test duration in minutes.

Consistency measures how stable your typing speed is throughout the test. It's the inverse of the coefficient of variation of your per-second WPM values — a perfectly consistent typist would score 100%. High consistency means you maintained a steady pace without bursts or pauses.

Score = netWpm × (accuracy / 100). This single number balances speed and accuracy, making it easier to compare results. A fast but inaccurate typist may score lower than a slower but precise one.

An "incorrect" character is one that doesn't match the expected character at that position. "Extra" characters are typed beyond the word's length. "Missed" characters are expected characters that were skipped when you moved to the next word.

Currently: English, Hindi (Devanagari script), and Hinglish (Hindi words in Latin/Roman script). The word lists are curated, NFC-normalised, and de-duplicated. More languages are planned.

QWERTY, AZERTY, QWERTZ, Colemak, Dvorak, Workman, InScript (for Hindi Devanagari), and Remington Gail (for Hindi Devanagari). The layout selection is saved in your settings and sent as metadata with each test.

Hindi typing uses direct keyboard input — you type using an InScript or Remington Gail layout, and the browser inputs Devanagari characters directly. IME composition events are detected and handled. Conjuncts and matras are rendered correctly with grapheme-aware comparison.

Every test session is replayed server-side using the exact keylog you submit. The server independently recalculates all metrics. Additional checks include: timestamp monotonicity, AFK gap detection, minimum elapsed time validation, suspicious WPM heuristics, and client metadata verification. Results are classified as OK, FLAGGED (saved but excluded from leaderboards pending review), or REJECTED (not saved).

Results are flagged when heuristic checks detect anomalies — such as unusually high WPM for the account's history, suspicious timing patterns, or detected paste attempts. Flagged results are saved to your profile but excluded from leaderboards. They can be reviewed and cleared by moderators.

No — paste and drop events are blocked and flagged as anomalies. The test area uses a hidden input with paste interception. Any paste attempt is recorded in your test metadata.

Go to Settings → Account and click "Delete Account". This immediately anonymises your public data (username, email, avatar) and schedules a hard-delete of all personally identifiable information within 30 days.

Yes — you can toggle your profile visibility between Public and Private in Settings → Profile. Private profiles show "This user's profile is private" to other users.

You can change your username in Settings → Profile. Usernames must be 4–20 characters, alphanumeric plus underscores, and can only be changed once every 3 months.