fightype

Typing speed

What is a good typing speed?

The average person types about 40 words per minute on a computer. What does that mean in practice, how do you compare and how can you get faster? Check your speed in the test, then compare your result with the table below.

Check your speed Learn to type faster

Average typing speed

Most people type between 35 and 45 words per minute, often with two or three fingers while glancing at the keyboard. People who touch type usually reach 60 to 80 WPM, and the fastest competitors go beyond 120. The table shows what each level means.

Words per minuteCharacters per minuteLevelWhat it means
under 20under 100BeginnerYou look for letters and often glance at the keyboard.
20–30100–150BasicYou type with two or three fingers; a short message takes a while.
30–40150–200Averagemost peopleThis is how most people type on a computer.
40–50200–250Above averageYou type comfortably and rarely search for letters.
50–60250–300ProficientYour typing keeps up with your thoughts in everyday work.
60–70300–350FastA typical level for people who touch type.
70–80350–400Very fastYou write long texts and emails without effort.
80–100400–500ProfessionalThe speed of people who type for a living, for example in offices or newsrooms.
over 100over 500EliteThe very top: the level of typing competition contenders.

Words and characters per minute

In typing tests one word is five characters including the space, no matter how long the real words are. This makes results comparable across languages and texts. To convert words to characters, multiply by five: 50 WPM is 250 characters per minute.

Accuracy matters more than speed

Every mistake costs time: you have to notice it, go back and type the character again. That is why someone who types a bit slower but without mistakes often finishes a text faster than someone who rushes and keeps correcting. Good accuracy is at least 95%, and very good is 98% or more.

How to type faster

Learning to touch type helps the most, because every finger has its own keys and you don't have to look for letters. Practice briefly but every day: fifteen minutes a day for a few weeks works better than long sessions once in a while. Focus on accuracy first, and speed will follow.

Questions about typing speed

How many words per minute does the average person type?

About 40 WPM, which is roughly 200 characters per minute. Your result depends on practice, your keyboard and the text.

What typing speed do you need for an office job?

Many job ads ask for 40 to 50 WPM. In jobs where you type a lot, 60 WPM or more is a real advantage.

How fast can I improve?

With daily practice many people learn to touch type in a few weeks and beat their old speed within a few months.