Average typing speed: what is a good WPM?
A commonly quoted average typing speed is around 40 words per minute (WPM). Measured averages differ by study and test, so treat the table below as a rough guide, not a rule.
| Level | Rough speed |
|---|---|
| Beginner | under 25 WPM |
| Average | 35 to 45 WPM |
| Good | 50 to 65 WPM |
| Fast | 70 to 90 WPM |
| Expert | 100 WPM or more |
How WPM is calculated
One "word" is 5 characters, including spaces. WPM = (characters typed ÷ 5) ÷ minutes, minus uncorrected errors. Accuracy is the share of keystrokes that were correct.
Speed or accuracy?
Accuracy first. Fixing mistakes costs more time than typing carefully, so most people get faster by slowing down until they make few errors.
TEST MY SPEEDTo find your own number, take the free typing speed test in Keyboard Quest. Want to improve? Read how to type faster or start with touch-typing lessons.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good typing speed?
About 50 to 65 WPM is good for most office work, and 70 WPM or more is fast. Accuracy of 95 percent or better matters as much as speed.
How is words per minute (WPM) calculated?
WPM counts every 5 characters as one word. Divide the characters typed by 5, divide by the minutes taken, then subtract uncorrected errors.
How can I check my typing speed?
Take the typing speed test or the 60-second Time Attack mode in Keyboard Quest. Both are free and show your WPM and accuracy.
Is 40 WPM or 60 WPM a good typing speed?
40 WPM is about average and fine for everyday typing. 60 WPM is in the good range (roughly 50 to 65 WPM) and suits most office work. Fast typists reach 70 to 90 WPM, and 100 WPM or more is expert level.
What does WPM stand for?
WPM means words per minute. In typing tests one word is counted as 5 characters, including spaces, so WPM shows how many 5-character words you type in a minute.
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