Typing Speed Test
Measure your words per minute (WPM) and accuracy with our free typing speed test. Whether you're preparing for a job interview, tracking your improvement, or simply curious about your typing abilities, this test provides detailed insights into your typing performance.
What does the typing speed test measure?
A typing speed test measures two critical metrics:
- Words Per Minute (WPM): The number of words you can type correctly in 60 seconds. This is calculated by dividing total characters typed by 5 (standard word length) and adjusting for time.
- Accuracy: The percentage of characters typed correctly versus total characters attempted. High accuracy (95%+) is essential for professional typing.
Some tests also measure consistency, error patterns, and typing rhythm. These metrics help identify areas for improvement, such as specific keys that slow you down or common mistakes that reduce accuracy.
What is the average human typing speed?
The average typing speed for adults is approximately 40 words per minute (WPM). However, this varies widely based on several factors:
- Beginner typists: 20-30 WPM — typically hunt-and-peck typists or those new to typing
- Average typists: 40-50 WPM — most office workers and casual computer users
- Good typists: 60-80 WPM — those with touch typing skills and regular practice
- Professional typists: 80-120 WPM — data entry specialists, transcriptionists, and experienced typists
- Expert typists: 120+ WPM — competitive typists and exceptional professionals
Note: Scores vary by age, typing method (touch typing vs. hunt-and-peck), profession, and individual practice level.
Average typing speed by age
Typing speed varies by age, with younger generations typically typing faster due to early exposure to technology. However, individual scores can vary based on typing method, practice level, profession, and device familiarity. The following ranges are estimates based on common online benchmark results.
| Age Group | Typical Range (WPM) |
|---|---|
| Under 18 | 35–55 WPM |
| 18–24 | 40–65 WPM |
| 25–34 | 40–70 WPM |
| 35–44 | 38–65 WPM |
| 45–54 | 35–60 WPM |
| 55+ | 30–55 WPM |
Estimates based on common online benchmark results; your score may vary by device and experience.
Why does typing speed matter?
Typing speed directly impacts productivity, career opportunities, and daily efficiency:
Job Requirements
Many employers test typing speed during hiring, especially for administrative, customer service, and data entry roles. Meeting or exceeding typing requirements (often 50-70 WPM) can be the difference between getting hired or not.
Productivity & Efficiency
Faster typing means completing emails, reports, and documents more quickly. A 20 WPM improvement can save hours per week, allowing you to focus on higher-value tasks instead of struggling with the keyboard.
Programming & Coding
While coding isn't just about typing speed, faster typists can implement ideas more quickly, iterate faster, and reduce the cognitive load of slow typing. Many developers type 60-80+ WPM. Similar to how reaction time affects gaming performance, typing speed impacts coding efficiency.
Academic & Professional Writing
Students and professionals who type faster can capture thoughts more fluidly, maintain better flow while writing, and meet deadlines more easily. Fast typing helps bridge the gap between thinking and writing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good typing speed?
A good typing speed is typically 60+ words per minute (WPM) with high accuracy (95%+). For most office jobs, 40-50 WPM is acceptable, while data entry and transcription roles often require 70+ WPM. Professional typists can reach 100+ WPM.
Does typing speed matter for jobs?
Yes, typing speed matters significantly for many jobs. Administrative roles, customer service, data entry, transcription, and coding all benefit from faster typing. Many employers test typing speed during hiring, and faster typists are often more productive.
How can I improve my typing speed?
Improve typing speed through regular practice, learning proper finger placement (touch typing), using typing tutor programs, and focusing on accuracy over speed initially. Most people see improvement within weeks of consistent practice.
What is the average typing speed?
The average typing speed for adults is around 40 WPM. However, this varies by age (younger people tend to type faster), profession (typists and programmers are faster), and whether someone learned touch typing versus hunt-and-peck methods.
Is typing speed genetic?
Typing speed is primarily learned, not genetic. While hand size, finger dexterity, and coordination can play minor roles, the biggest factors are practice, proper technique, and familiarity with keyboard layout. Anyone can improve with training.
What's the fastest typing speed ever recorded?
The fastest recorded typing speed is 216 WPM by Stella Pajunas in 1946, though modern records are around 150-180 WPM. Most professional typists maintain 80-120 WPM with high accuracy during sustained typing sessions.
Should I focus on speed or accuracy?
Focus on accuracy first. Speed naturally improves as you build muscle memory and reduce errors. Aim for 95%+ accuracy, then gradually increase speed. Fast typing with many errors is less productive than slower, accurate typing.
Test your typing speed now
Get instant, accurate results with our free typing speed test. Track your progress over time and see how you compare to average human performance.
Start Typing Speed TestRelated Tests & Guides
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