Ever thought that you typed like everyone else? Whether you're a student, programmer, or office worker, it is always useful to understand what the average typing speed is. Typing speed is measured in Words Per Minute (WPM), and it varies greatly from person to person according to their age, occupation, and level of practice. In this article, we will examine the average typing speeds between different groups and demonstrate how to accurately determine your own WPM.
What is the Average Typing Speed?
The typing speed of a regular person is approximately 40 to 45 WPM. However, this is just the middle ground. Skilled typists, such as data entry clerks and transcriptionists, typically type at 60 to 80 WPM. To find out your true typing speed, try out our Free Typing Speed Test now and get your baseline score.
Average Typing Speed by Age Group
People who type faster become faster as they get older and more comfortable with technology. Here is a general outline:
- Children (Ages 8-12): 10 to 20 WPM. They are just developing their positional sense of the keys.
- Teens (Ages 13-17): 30 to 40 WPM. Many teens tend to type faster on their screens than on a keyboard, as they are used to working with smartphones.
- Adults (Ages 18-60): 40 to 55 WPM. This is the optimal working age, and most people type at an average speed for everyday activities.
- Seniors (Ages 60+): 25 to 35 WPM. Joint stiffness may cause a slight reduction in speed, but accuracy is often maintained.
Average Typing Speed by Profession
The job you have will have a significant impact on your typing speed. Your brain and fingers adjust when you type all day.
- General Office Workers: 35 to 50 WPM. They write emails and reports but aren't solely focused on speed.
- Writers & Journalists: 50 to 70 WPM. They are artisans of the written word, so thoughts must be put down fast.
- Programmers: 50 to 70 WPM. Coding takes thought, but programmers type long lines of syntax every day.
- Data Entry Clerks: 60 to 80 WPM. Their main job requirements are speed and accuracy.
- Court Reporters & Stenographers: 200+ WPM. They don't use a normal keyboard, but a special stenotype machine to type at incredible speeds.
What is a "Good" Typing Speed?
There is no universal standard for typing speed that would be considered "good," but here is a breakdown of goals:
- If you are just surfing the web and sending basic emails, 30 WPM should be adequate.
- To be efficient at office work, aim for 50 to 60 WPM.
- To be considered a fast typist, you should aim for 70 to 90 WPM.
- If you are doing more than 100 WPM, you're in the elite range!
Use our Typing Analytics page to monitor your skills and determine whether you are progressing over time.
How to Improve Your WPM
Don't be concerned if your speed is slower than average. Typing is a physical ability that can be learned:
- Learn Touch Typing: Stop looking at the keyboard! Use all ten fingers. Our Typing Lessons will teach you the correct finger placement from scratch.
- Focus on Accuracy First: Speed doesn't matter if you're making 10 errors a minute. Slow down and type flawlessly. Speed will follow naturally.
- Practice Daily: Just 15 minutes a day on our 1-minute or 3-minute timed tests will have a dramatic effect on increasing your WPM over a month.
Conclusion
The standard typing speed is about 40 WPM, but you don't have to settle for average. Whether you're looking for a job or simply want to save time, improving your WPM is a skill that pays off forever. Find out where you stand today by taking our Free Typing Speed Test!