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 WPM test — 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 60 WPM a good typing speed?
Yes. 60 WPM is around the 70th percentile — faster than most people and the common threshold for 'proficient.' Most office and remote roles consider 60 WPM at 95%+ accuracy comfortably sufficient.
What is the average typing speed?
The average adult types around 38–45 WPM (roughly 40). Touch typists who practise regularly reach 60–80 WPM, and 90+ WPM puts you in the top 10% of typists.
What typing speed do employers expect?
Most office jobs expect 40–60 WPM. Data-entry, legal, and medical transcription roles often require 70–80+ WPM at high accuracy. The 5-minute test is the standard format for professional certification.
How fast is a fast typist?
80 WPM is fast — the top 10% of typists. 100 WPM is roughly the top 5%, and breaking 120 WPM puts you in the top 1%.