Average Typing Speed: What is Good WPM in 2024?
Updated February 2026 · 8 min read
Quick Answer
The average typing speed is 40 WPM. A good speed is 50-70 WPM. Professional typists average 65-75 WPM. Elite typists reach 100+ WPM.
Typing Speed Benchmarks
| Speed | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Under 30 WPM | Beginner | Hunt and peck typist, needs significant improvement |
| 30-40 WPM | Below Average | Common for casual computer users |
| 40-55 WPM | Average | Sufficient for most basic office tasks |
| 55-70 WPM | Above Average | Comfortable for most professional environments |
| 70-85 WPM | Fast | Proficient touch typist, very productive |
| 85-100 WPM | Very Fast | Professional typist level |
| 100+ WPM | Elite | Exceptional — top 1% of typists |
Typing Speed Requirements by Job
General Office Work
Minimum for most office positions
Secretary / Admin Assistant
Standard requirement for admin roles
Data Entry Specialist
High accuracy required alongside speed
Legal Secretary
Complex legal documents require speed and accuracy
Medical Transcriptionist
Fast speech requires very fast typing
Court Reporter
Uses specialized stenography equipment
Programmer / Developer
Speed matters less than for document-heavy roles
8 Tips to Type Faster
Learn Touch Typing
Touch typing means typing without looking at the keyboard using all 10 fingers. It is the single most impactful improvement you can make. Use free tools like Typing.com or Keybr.com to learn proper finger placement.
Use Proper Posture
Sit straight with feet flat on the floor. Keep your wrists slightly elevated above the keyboard. Bad posture causes fatigue which slows you down and can cause repetitive strain injuries.
Focus on Accuracy First
Never sacrifice accuracy for speed. Errors slow you down because you have to go back and correct them. Focus on hitting the right keys every time. Speed will naturally follow as muscle memory develops.
Practice Daily
Even 15-20 minutes of daily practice makes a significant difference. Consistent daily practice beats occasional long sessions. Track your progress monthly.
Use Keyboard Shortcuts
Learning keyboard shortcuts reduces how much you need to type and switch between keyboard and mouse. Master shortcuts for your most common tasks in Word, Excel and your browser.
Eliminate Filler Words When Writing
Reducing the number of words you need to type through better, more concise writing is just as effective as typing faster. Edit your writing to remove unnecessary words.
Test Your Typing Speed Free
Find out your exact typing speed in words per minute with our free typing speed test. See your WPM and accuracy score instantly.
Take the Free Typing Speed Test →Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average typing speed?
The average typing speed is 40 words per minute with about 92% accuracy. Professional typists average 65-75 WPM. Data entry specialists typically type 60-80 WPM.
What is a good typing speed?
A good typing speed for most office work is 50-60 WPM. Above 70 WPM is considered fast. Professional typists and transcriptionists are typically 80-100 WPM or faster.
How can I increase my typing speed?
Use all 10 fingers with proper touch typing technique, practice daily using typing software, focus on accuracy before speed, avoid looking at the keyboard, and take regular typing tests to track your progress.
What is the world record typing speed?
The world record for typing speed is 212 words per minute set by Barbara Blackburn in 2005 using a Dvorak keyboard layout. The record for a standard QWERTY keyboard is around 170 WPM.
Does typing speed matter for jobs?
Yes. Many office and administrative jobs require a minimum of 40-60 WPM. Data entry roles often require 60-80 WPM. Transcriptionists and court reporters may need 90-100+ WPM. Faster typing also improves productivity in any knowledge work job.