| Session | Words | Net minutes | WPH | Adjusted WPH |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning drafting | 1200 | 55 | 1309.09 | 1119.27 |
| Client email batch | 650 | 35 | 1114.29 | 1037.40 |
| Study notes | 900 | 75 | 720.00 | 563.04 |
- Gross minutes = hours × 60 + minutes
- Net minutes = gross minutes − break minutes
- WPM = words ÷ net minutes
- WPH = WPM × 60
- Effective WPH = WPH × (accuracy% ÷ 100)
- Adjusted WPH = Effective WPH × (1 − editing% ÷ 100)
- ETA (minutes) = (target words ÷ adjusted WPH) × 60
- Enter the number of words you wrote during a focused session.
- Input the time spent, then subtract breaks for net time.
- Add accuracy to reflect how much text is usable.
- Use editing factor when polishing is part of the session.
- Set a target WPH to see if you are on track.
- Optionally add target words to estimate completion time.
- Download CSV or PDF to archive your progress.
Why words per hour is a planning metric
Words per hour (WPH) converts a writing session into a time budget. If a report requires 2,400 words and your adjusted pace is 800 WPH, the draft phase is roughly 3 hours. This makes deadlines measurable, not emotional. Teams can also translate WPH into capacity, such as “two 45‑minute sessions per section.”
Net time produces the most reliable pace
Gross time includes interruptions that do not create text. Subtracting breaks isolates “net minutes,” which better reflects focused work. A 90‑minute block with 20 minutes of breaks yields 70 net minutes, often raising accuracy of the WPH estimate. Over a week, net time reduces noise from meetings, notifications, and quick research detours.
Accuracy changes the usable output
Not all words survive review. Accuracy is the share of words that remain after light revision. For example, 1,000 WPH at 92% accuracy becomes 920 effective WPH. Tracking accuracy prevents overcommitting when the content is complex or technical. If accuracy drops below 85%, it can signal unclear sources, weak outlining, or fatigue.
Editing factor reflects polishing overhead
Editing factor models time spent tightening sentences, checking references, and fixing structure during the same session. A 15% editing factor means only 85% of your hour generates new words. Adjusted WPH helps you forecast realistic throughput for publishable work. For first drafts, editing may be 5–10%; for client deliverables, 15–30% is common.
Targets guide habits, not pressure
Targets work best as ranges. If your adjusted pace varies between 650 and 900 WPH, set a target near the midpoint and monitor trends weekly. A consistent improvement of 50 WPH over four weeks often equals one extra page per day. Pair targets with a minimum net-time goal, like 40 focused minutes, to avoid chasing speed alone.
Use the export to build a simple benchmark
Save results as CSV or PDF and keep a small log: date, task type, net minutes, adjusted WPH, and notes on distractions. After ten sessions, you will see which tasks slow you down, where breaks spike, and how accuracy shifts with fatigue. Sort by task type to compare email writing versus long-form drafting, then set separate targets for each category consistently.
FAQs
1) What is the difference between WPH and WPM?
WPM is words per minute for net time. WPH scales that pace to an hour (WPM × 60). Use WPH for scheduling and WPM for short session comparisons.
2) Why should I subtract breaks?
Breaks inflate the denominator and hide your real working pace. Net time isolates focused minutes, making your rate more stable across days and easier to compare between sessions.
3) How do I estimate accuracy?
Use a quick sample. Review a paragraph and estimate what percentage remains after basic revision. Over time, your logged results will make the accuracy input more objective.
4) When should I use an editing factor?
Use it when drafting and polishing happen together. If you draft fast but spend time restructuring, an editing factor of 10–25% often matches reality for professional writing.
5) Which number should I trust for planning?
Adjusted WPH is best for planning because it accounts for accuracy and polishing overhead. Raw WPH is still useful for measuring pure drafting speed in distraction‑free sessions.
6) How can I improve my WPH sustainably?
Reduce context switching, pre-outline before drafting, and time-box breaks. Track net minutes and adjusted WPH weekly; small process fixes often raise output more than forcing longer sessions.