← All guides · Updated 14 October 2026
Average typing speed: what is a good WPM?
Typing speed is measured in words per minute (WPM). Here is what the numbers mean, what is normal, and what different jobs ask for.
How WPM is measured
Because words have different lengths, typing tests count every 5 characters as one word, including spaces. So 250 correct characters in one minute equals 50 WPM. Most tests, including ours, only count words you typed correctly, so errors lower your score.
What is the average typing speed?
There is no single official average, because it depends on who you measure. A 2018 study from Aalto University analysed the typing of about 168,000 volunteers and found an average of 52 WPM, with most people between 30 and 60 WPM. People who volunteer for an online typing test are probably faster than average, so many sources give a lower figure of around 40 WPM for adults in general.
What counts as a good typing speed?
| WPM | What it means |
|---|---|
| Under 25 | Beginner. Often typing with a few fingers while looking at the keys. |
| 25 to 44 | Around average. Fine for everyday use. |
| 45 to 59 | Above average. Comfortable for most office work. |
| 60 to 79 | Fast. Typing stops being a bottleneck. |
| 80 to 99 | Very fast. Common among professional typists. |
| 100 and up | Expert level. |
Accuracy matters as much as speed. A fast score with many errors is less useful than a slightly slower one with 97% accuracy or more.
What speeds do jobs ask for?
Requirements differ a lot between employers and countries, so always check the job listing. As a rough guide, these ranges are common in job ads:
- General office and administration: around 40 to 60 WPM.
- Data entry: often 45 WPM or more, sometimes with a separate 10-key test for numbers.
- Legal and medical secretaries, transcription: often 70 WPM or more.
Read more in our guide to typing tests for jobs.
Measure your own speed
Take a 1 minute typing test three times and look at your average. For a more stable number, try the 3 minute test. If your speed is below where you want it, our touch typing course is the most reliable way to improve.