What Is a Good Typing Speed?
Average, above average, and professional typing speeds explained.
The Short Answer
For everyday computer use, 40–60 WPM is considered average. For professional office work, 65–75 WPM is a comfortable target. Writers, legal professionals, and programmers who type for many hours a day often maintain 80–100+ WPM. Take the 1-minute test right now to see where you stand.
Typing Speed by Profession
| Role | Typical WPM range |
|---|---|
| General office work | 40–60 |
| Administrative assistant | 60–80 |
| Data entry clerk | 60–80 |
| Writer / journalist | 60–100 |
| Programmer / developer | 50–80 |
| Legal secretary | 80–100 |
| Medical transcriptionist | 80–120 |
| Court reporter (stenotype) | 225+ |
If you're preparing for a job application, see the dedicated guide for typing tests for job seekers.
Typing Speed by Age
Younger people who grew up with touchscreens sometimes type slower on keyboards than older workers who spent years at desktop computers. By the late teens and early twenties, most regular computer users settle into 40–60 WPM. Speed typically peaks in your thirties and holds reasonably steady until your sixties unless you continue deliberate practice. See also: global average typing speeds.
The World Record
The verified world record for English typing on a standard keyboard is held at approximately 212 WPM (sustained over one minute). Speed typists competing at the highest level typically maintain 150–180 WPM. Most people who type for a living never need to go faster than 80 WPM. Check our leaderboard to see the top scores on this site.
What's a Realistic Target?
If you type less than 40 WPM, deliberate practice can get you to 60 WPM within a few months. If you're already at 60 WPM, reaching 80 WPM is achievable with a few weeks of focused effort. Going above 100 WPM usually requires months of consistent, deliberate practice with proper touch typing technique. Read the full guide on how to improve your typing speed for a step-by-step plan.