Average Typing Speed: WPM Benchmarks for 2026
Typing speed is measured in words per minute (WPM), where one "word" equals five characters including spaces. The average adult types at 40–60 WPM — but what counts as fast depends on your profession, age, and goals. This page compiles 2026 benchmark data so you can see exactly where you stand and what to aim for next. Use the free FastTypings test below to find your current WPM.
Average Typing Speed by Skill Level
| Skill Level | WPM Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 20–40 WPM | Hunt-and-peck or early learner |
| Average adult | 40–60 WPM | Typical office / casual user |
| Proficient | 60–80 WPM | Consistent touch typist |
| Professional | 80–100 WPM | Admin, PA, fast office worker |
| Expert | 100–120 WPM | Competitive or high-output typist |
| Elite | 120+ WPM | Competitive sport typist |
Averages based on aggregated data from public typing test platforms. Individual scores vary significantly.
Average Typing Speed by Profession
| Profession | Typical WPM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Data entry clerk | 60–80 WPM | Minimum 55 WPM typically required |
| Secretary / PA | 60–75 WPM | Often tested at 5-min duration |
| Programmer | 50–80 WPM | Speed matters less than accuracy |
| Journalist | 65–75 WPM | Deadline writing under pressure |
| Transcriptionist | 70–100 WPM | Medical: 65+ WPM, legal: 80+ WPM |
Requirements vary by employer and region. Always check the specific job posting for the exact WPM requirement.
Average Typing Speed by Age Group
| Age Group | Average WPM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10–14 years | 20–35 WPM | Learning to type in school |
| 15–19 years | 35–45 WPM | Smartphone-native generation |
| 20–29 years | 40–60 WPM | Highest average speed group |
| 30–39 years | 40–55 WPM | Experienced, steady typists |
| 40+ years | 35–50 WPM | Slight decline with age |
Age-group data is averaged across keyboard types and device usage patterns.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average typing speed?
The average adult typing speed is 40–60 words per minute (WPM). Most office workers fall in this range. Students and young adults who grew up with keyboards often score slightly higher, around 45–65 WPM.
What is a good typing speed for a job?
Most office and administrative roles require a minimum of 40–50 WPM. Data entry positions typically require 55–65 WPM. Medical and legal transcription roles usually demand 70–100 WPM at 98%+ accuracy.
How fast do programmers type?
Programmers typically type at 50–80 WPM on prose, though coding speed is lower due to symbols and syntax. Typing speed is less critical for programmers than accuracy and reading comprehension, but faster typists can iterate on code more quickly.
What WPM is considered fast?
80 WPM is considered fast for most everyday purposes. 100 WPM places you in the top ~5% of typists. Competitive typists regularly exceed 120–150 WPM. The world record on typeracer.com exceeds 200 WPM.
How can I improve my typing speed?
Practice daily with timed tests. Focus on accuracy before speed — errors cost more time than slower typing. Use all ten fingers with proper touch-typing technique, keep your eyes on the screen, and sit with good posture. FastTypings bot racing lets you gradually push your WPM by setting a target speed just above your current best.
Does age affect typing speed?
Yes, modestly. Typing speed typically peaks in the 20–29 age group and declines slightly with age. However, experienced older typists often compensate with higher accuracy and lower error rates.
How is WPM calculated?
WPM is calculated as (net correct characters typed ÷ 5) ÷ elapsed minutes. Dividing by 5 normalises for average word length. 'Net' means errors you did not correct are subtracted from the total character count before the calculation.