Motor Skill - Psychomotor Speed
Typing Speed Test
Type the passage as fast and accurately as you can. Your score is measured in words per minute (WPM).
Overview & Purpose
The Typing Test measures your typing speed in Words Per Minute (WPM) with accuracy penalty. The average adult types 40\u201360 WPM; fast typists reach 80\u2013100 WPM; professional typists exceed 100 WPM. The current world record exceeds 212 WPM. Typing speed reflects both motor learning (finger placement automaticity) and cognitive processing speed. Regular deliberate practice can yield significant improvement.
Typing Test
How many words per minute can you type?
What Is a Good Typing Speed?
WPM is calculated by counting the number of correctly typed words per 60 seconds (one "word" = 5 keystrokes, including spaces). The global average has risen significantly over the past 20 years as smartphones and laptops became ubiquitous - But so has the variance, with casual typists rarely exceeding 45 WPM while programmers and writers frequently exceed 90. Typing speed pairs naturally with processing speed and reaction time as complementary measures of how quickly you can translate thought into output.
WPM Percentile Reference
| WPM Range | Percentile | Classification |
|---|---|---|
| <30 WPM | Bottom 15% | Beginner |
| 30–50 WPM | 15th–45th | Below average |
| 51–65 WPM | 45th–65th | Average |
| 66–80 WPM | 65th–80th | Above average |
| 81–100 WPM | 80th–93rd | Fast typist |
| 100–120 WPM | 93rd–99th | Professional level |
| 120+ WPM | Top 1% | Elite |
Occupational Benchmarks
Different professions have different typing requirements. Many jobs now specify minimum WPM in job postings - Here's what various roles typically require or produce in practice.
| Role | Minimum Required | Typical Average | Top Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| General office worker | 35 WPM | 52 WPM | 70+ WPM |
| Administrative assistant | 50–60 WPM | 65 WPM | 90+ WPM |
| Software developer | No formal requirement | 70 WPM | 100+ WPM |
| Journalist / writer | 65 WPM | 78 WPM | 110+ WPM |
| Data entry specialist | 60–80 WPM | 75 WPM | 100+ WPM |
Factors That Affect Typing Speed
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is 70 WPM a good typing speed?
Yes, 70 WPM is significantly above the global average of 40 WPM. It is fast enough for almost any professional requirement, including administrative, software development, and writing roles.
How long does it take to reach 100 WPM?
Reaching 100 WPM requires mastering touch typing (typing without looking at the keys). If you already touch type at 60 WPM, reaching 100 WPM typically requires 3–6 months of consistent daily practice (15–30 minutes a day) focused heavily on accuracy.
Should I learn Dvorak or stick with QWERTY?
Stick with QWERTY unless you have specific ergonomic pain. While alternative layouts like Dvorak or Colemak are designed to reduce finger travel distance, studies show they do not inherently increase top speed. Most of the fastest typists in the world (150+ WPM) use standard QWERTY.
Does typing speed matter for programming?
Not really. Most programmers average 50–70 WPM. The bottleneck in software development is problem-solving and logic, not raw typing speed. A speed of 50 WPM is more than enough to keep up with how fast most people can formulate code architecture.
How do I type faster without looking at the keyboard?
You must learn formal "touch typing." This means returning your index fingers to the "F" and "J" keys (which have little bumps on them) and assigning specific keys to specific fingers. Initially, your speed will drop as you break bad habits, but it is the only way to surpass the ~50 WPM limit of "hunt-and-peck" typing.
What WPM do you need for a transcription job?
Professional transcription, data entry, and medical coding roles typically require a minimum of 65–80 WPM, with some high-level legal transcription roles demanding 90+ WPM. Accuracy is often weighted just as heavily, requiring 98% or higher.