Average Typing Speed (WPM): What’s Good, What’s Fast, and How to Improve

Whether you’re a student, professional, or casual computer user, typing efficiently can save you countless hours each year. But how do you know if your typing speed is “good”? What is the average typing speed, and how can you improve it? In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about average WPM typing speed, what’s considered fast, and how to get better.

What Is Typing Speed (WPM)?

Typing speed is measured in words per minute (WPM) — the number of words you can type accurately in one minute. A “word” is typically standardized as five characters, including spaces and punctuation. For example, if you typed 250 characters in a minute, that equals roughly 50 WPM. Typing tests often also measure accuracy, which is just as important as speed. A fast typist who makes frequent mistakes can lose time fixing errors, reducing their effective WPM.

What Is the Average Typing Speed?

The average typing speed for most people depends on their experience and the type of work they do.

What’s a Good Typing Speed?

When people ask, “What’s a good typing speed?”, the answer depends on your goals.

• For everyday use (email, browsing, notes): 40–50 WPM is perfectly fine.

• For office or administrative work: 60–70 WPM is considered efficient.

• For transcription, data entry, or writing: 80+ WPM is highly desirable.
  A good typing speed means you can type comfortably and accurately without frequent pauses or errors. It’s not just about raw speed — it’s about rhythm and precision.

What Is Considered a Fast Typing Speed?

So, what is considered fast typing speed? Generally:

• Fast: 70–90 WPM

• Very fast: 90–120 WPM

• World-class: 120+ WPM
  Professional typists, journalists, and programmers often fall into the 70–100+ WPM range. If you’re wondering what WPM is considered fast, hitting 80 WPM with solid accuracy (above 95%) is a benchmark for excellent typing performance.

Why Typing Speed Matters

Improving your typing words per minute isn’t just about bragging rights — it’s about productivity. Here’s why it matters:

• ⏱️ Time savings: Typing 70 WPM instead of 40 WPM can save hours over a week of work.

• 💼 Professional efficiency: Fast typists complete reports, emails, and projects quicker.

• 💡 Improved focus: Once typing becomes automatic, you can concentrate more on ideas, not keys.

• 📈 Career advantage: Many administrative, writing, and tech roles list fast typing as a desired skill.
  Simply put, the faster and more accurately you type, the more efficiently you can work and communicate.

How to Test Your Typing Speed

You can check your average WPM typing speed using free online tools. Some popular options include:

• typingtest.com

• 10FastFingers.com

• KeyHero.com

Each will measure:

• Words per minute (WPM)

• Accuracy percentage

• Time duration (usually 1–5 minutes)

• Adjusted speed (WPM minus errors)
  Testing regularly can help you track your progress as you practice.

How to Improve Your Typing Speed (Step-by-Step)

Improving your typing speed takes time and consistent practice — but anyone can do it. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Learn Proper Finger Placement

Use the home row method:

• Left hand: A–S–D–F

• Right hand: J–K–L–;
  Your thumbs rest on the space bar. This allows for minimal hand movement and maximum efficiency.

2. Practice Touch Typing

Touch typing means typing without looking at the keyboard. It helps develop muscle memory, which is essential for increasing speed and accuracy.

3. Focus on Accuracy First

Speed comes naturally as accuracy improves. Aim for 95%+ accuracy before pushing for higher WPM.

4. Use Online Typing Games

Fun tools make practice enjoyable:

• TypeRacer – race others by typing passages quickly and accurately

• Keybr – focuses on muscle memory improvement

• NitroType – gamified racing format that encourages consistency

5. Maintain Proper Posture

Your physical setup affects typing efficiency:

• Keep your back straight

• Elbows at 90 degrees

• Wrists slightly elevated

• Eyes level with the screen
  Comfortable posture reduces strain and increases stamina for longer typing sessions.

6. Set Small Goals

Instead of jumping from 40 to 100 WPM overnight, set realistic goals:

• Week 1: 45 WPM

• Week 2: 50 WPM

• Month 1: 60 WPM
  Small, steady improvements compound quickly.

7. Analyze and Fix Mistakes

After each test, review which letters or words cause errors. Practice those combinations until they feel natural.

8. Use the Right Keyboard

A responsive keyboard can make a huge difference.

• Mechanical keyboards offer tactile feedback and faster response.

• Ergonomic layouts reduce strain for long sessions.
  Experiment to find what feels most comfortable.

How Long Does It Take to Increase Typing Speed?

It depends on your starting point and practice frequency. With 15–20 minutes of daily focused practice, most people can increase their typing words per minute by 10–20 WPM in a month.
For example:

• Starting at 40 WPM → Reach 60 WPM in 4–6 weeks

• Starting at 60 WPM → Reach 80+ WPM in 2–3 months
  Consistency and proper technique matter far more than occasional long sessions.

Tips to Maintain Fast Typing Speed

Once you reach your target, maintaining it requires light upkeep. Try:

• Typing daily (emails, notes, messages)

• Taking a weekly speed test

• Avoiding multitasking while typing

• Keeping wrists and shoulders relaxed
  Even professional typists keep their skills sharp with regular use.

Key Takeaways

To recap the most common questions:

• What is the average typing speed? Around 40 WPM for adults.

• What’s a good typing speed? Around 60 WPM for professional comfort.

• What is considered fast typing speed? Anything above 80 WPM.

• What WPM is considered fast? 80+ with accuracy above 95%.
  Improving your typing speed is one of the simplest yet most valuable skills you can develop — boosting productivity, confidence, and professional efficiency.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a student writing essays, a manager sending reports, or a freelancer handling content, knowing your average WPM typing speed and aiming for improvement is worth the effort. With consistent practice, smart techniques, and the right tools, you can go from “average” to “fast” — and maybe even join the ranks of the 100+ WPM typists.

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