WPM Benchmarks & Data

What is a Good Typing Speed?

Average typing speeds by age, profession, and skill level. Find out where you rank and how to improve.

Test Your Speed

Quick Answer

40 WPM
Average Adult
65-75 WPM
Professional Typist
80+ WPM
Excellent

Typing Speed by Age Group

Average words per minute benchmarks from children to professionals.

Age Group
Speed
Level
Range
Ages 6-7
5-10 WPM
Learning letters
Ages 8-9
15-25 WPM
Beginning typist
Ages 10-11
25-35 WPM
Developing speed
Ages 12-14
30-45 WPM
Intermediate
Ages 15-17
40-55 WPM
Proficient
Adults (avg)
40 WPM
Average
Office workers
40-60 WPM
Competent
Professional typists
65-75 WPM
Advanced
Fast typists
80-100+ WPM
Expert

Typing Speed by Profession

Expected typing speeds for common careers that require keyboard proficiency.

Profession
Expected WPM
Status
Data Entry Clerk
60-80 WPM
Required
Administrative Assistant
50-65 WPM
Required
Software Developer
50-70 WPM
Recommended
Writer / Journalist
60-80 WPM
Expected
Transcriptionist
80-100+ WPM
Required
Legal Secretary
70-90 WPM
Required

How to Improve Your Typing Speed

Practical tips to increase your WPM based on proven methods.

Learn Touch Typing

Stop looking at the keyboard. Touch typing uses muscle memory to map each finger to specific keys. It feels slower at first but pays off exponentially. Start with the home row (ASDF JKL;) and build from there.

Practice 10-15 Minutes Daily

Short, consistent practice beats long, infrequent sessions. Daily repetition builds the muscle memory that makes typing automatic. Set a timer and practice at the same time each day.

Prioritize Accuracy Over Speed

Speed with errors is not real speed. Every correction costs time and breaks your flow. Aim for 97%+ accuracy first, then gradually push your speed. Accuracy naturally leads to faster typing.

Track Your Progress

Take a speed test weekly to measure improvement. Seeing your WPM increase is motivating and helps you identify weaknesses. Focus on the keys or patterns where you slow down most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average typing speed for adults?

The average typing speed for adults is approximately 40 words per minute (WPM). However, this varies widely depending on how much time a person spends typing. Office workers who type daily typically reach 50-60 WPM, while professional typists average 65-75 WPM.

What typing speed do I need for an office job?

Most office jobs require a minimum typing speed of 50-60 WPM with good accuracy. Data entry positions may require 60-80 WPM. Administrative and secretarial roles often expect 55-70 WPM. Having a faster typing speed gives you a competitive advantage in any role that involves significant computer use.

How fast should a programmer type?

Most professional programmers type between 50-70 WPM. However, accuracy matters more than raw speed for programming. Typing special characters quickly (brackets, semicolons, operators) is more important than prose speed. A programmer who types 60 WPM with high accuracy is more productive than one who types 90 WPM with frequent errors.

Can I improve my typing speed?

Yes, with 10-15 minutes of daily structured practice, most people can improve by 10-20 WPM within a month. The key is consistency and focusing on accuracy first. Use a structured typing course, practice touch typing (typing without looking at the keyboard), and take regular speed tests to track your progress.

Find out your typing speed

Take our free 1-minute speed test and see how you compare to the benchmarks above.

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