Average typing speed: what is a good WPM?
The average adult types around 40 words per minute. In a 2018 study of 168,000 online typists by Aalto University and the University of Cambridge, the average was about 52 wpm. A good typing speed for most jobs is 60 wpm or more with at least 95% accuracy.
Typing speed chart
Where your words per minute sit, from beginner to elite.
- Under 25wpmBeginner
Still looking at the keys or using a few fingers.
- 25 to 40wpmBelow average
Comfortable with the keyboard, not yet touch typing.
- 40 to 55wpmAverage
Typical for adults who type every day.
- 55 to 70wpmAbove average
Meets most office and data entry requirements.
- 70 to 90wpmFast
Touch typing with a steady rhythm.
- 90 to 120wpmVery fast
Top few percent of typists.
- 120+wpmElite
Competitive typists and transcription pros.
What is a good typing speed?
Anything above 40 wpm is average or better. For work, 60 wpm is a solid target: it is fast enough for email, documents and most data entry. Professional typists and transcriptionists usually type 80 wpm or more. Speed without accuracy is misleading, so always look at both numbers together.
Typing speed for jobs
Job listings for general office, customer support and data entry roles commonly ask for 40 to 60 wpm. Transcription, legal secretary and executive assistant roles often ask for 60 to 80 wpm or more. Employers usually test with a 3 or 5 minute typing test, so practise the longer formats too.
How the fastest typists compare
Competitive typists reach well above 150 wpm on standard tests and can burst past 200 wpm on short phrases. These speeds come from years of touch typing practice, perfect accuracy and a steady rhythm rather than raw finger speed.
How to calculate WPM
Words per minute treats every 5 characters, including spaces, as one word. Divide the correct characters by 5, then by the minutes typed. Typing 300 correct characters in one minute is 60 wpm. Raw WPM counts every key pressed, mistakes included.
How to increase your typing speed
- Learn touch typing. Using all ten fingers without looking is the biggest jump. Start with the home row lesson.
- Slow down to speed up. Aim for 97% accuracy first. Speed follows once mistakes stop.
- Drill your weak keys. Smart practice finds the letters that slow you down.
- Practise little and often. 15 minutes a day beats two hours once a week.
- Make it fun. Typing games and races keep you coming back.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average typing speed?
Most sources put the average adult at around 40 words per minute. A large 2018 study of 168,000 online typists by Aalto University and the University of Cambridge measured an average of about 52 wpm.
Is 60 wpm a good typing speed?
Yes. 60 wpm is above average and meets the requirement for most office, admin and data entry jobs.
What typing speed do jobs require?
Job listings commonly ask for 40 to 60 wpm for general office and data entry roles, and 60 to 80 wpm or more for transcription, legal or executive assistant roles.
How long does it take to improve typing speed?
With 15 to 20 minutes of focused practice a day, most people add 10 to 20 wpm within a month. Learning to touch type is the biggest single jump.
How is words per minute calculated?
Divide the number of correctly typed characters by 5 to get words, then divide by the minutes spent typing. 250 correct characters in one minute equals 50 wpm.
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