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What is a good typing speed?
Short answer: the average is about 40 words per minute, a good speed is 45–60 WPM, and professional typists reach 65–80. Here’s the full picture — and how to read your own result honestly.
The typing speed scale
Every figure below is net WPM — accuracy-weighted, which is how any real test scores you. Raw speed with lots of typos doesn’t count.
| Level | Speed | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | Under 30 WPM | Still hunting for keys or looking down. Very common when starting out. |
| Average | 40 WPM | The typical adult. The real midpoint sits around 40–50. |
| Good | 45–60 WPM | A comfortable touch typist — already above most people. |
| Professional | 65–80 WPM | The bar for data-entry, transcription and admin work. |
| Very fast | 100+ WPM | Top competitive typists and lifelong keyboard users. |
| World record | ~212–216 WPM | Barbara Blackburn (Dvorak layout) and Stella Pajunas (1946). |
Is 40 WPM good? What about 50, 60, 70?
Because these come up constantly, here’s the honest read on each:
- 40 WPM — average. Not slow. You’re right where most adults are; a few weeks of practice lifts you above the pack.
- 50 WPM — solidly good. Above average and plenty for most office and study work.
- 60 WPM — strong. You’re a confident touch typist and meet the entry bar for most keyboard-heavy jobs.
- 70 WPM — professional. Comfortably in data-entry / transcription territory.
- 80+ WPM — fast. Well ahead of the field; only serious keyboard users type faster.
Does age change what’s “good”?
Roughly, yes — and it’s mostly about practice, not ability. Children and early teens still learning the keyboard often sit in the 15–30 WPM range; older teens and students who’ve grown up typing commonly reach 35–50; working adults who type daily land around the 40–60 average and above. If you type a lot, you’ll be at the higher end of your group whatever your age — the keyboard rewards hours, not youth.
Speed vs accuracy — the part people miss
A “good” typist isn’t just fast; they’re fast and clean. Aim for 95%+ accuracy before pushing speed, because every mistake costs you twice: once to make it and once to go back and fix it. Steady and accurate beats fast and messy on any real test — and on any real job.