Average Typing Speed
The commonly cited average is around 40 words per minute. Here is what sits behind that figure and how it varies.
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The average typing speed for an adult is roughly 40 WPM at about 92% accuracy. Someone who types for work most of the day tends to land higher, around 50–65 WPM. Professional typists average 75 WPM and up.
By typing style
| Style | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Hunt and peck (2–4 fingers, looking down) | 20–35 WPM |
| Hybrid (some touch typing, occasional glances) | 35–50 WPM |
| Touch typing (ten fingers, eyes on screen) | 55–90 WPM |
| Trained professional typist | 90–120+ WPM |
By age
These are rough school-and-population averages, not targets:
- Ages 6–11: 15–25 WPM
- Ages 12–16: 25–40 WPM
- Ages 17–25: 35–50 WPM
- Working adults: 40–55 WPM
By profession
- Software developers: 60–80 WPM on prose, lower on code.
- Writers and journalists: 60–90 WPM.
- Administrative and data-entry staff: 50–70 WPM.
- Transcriptionists and court reporters: 80–120+ WPM (stenotype machines go far higher).
Where does “40 WPM” come from?
It is the long-standing figure from typing-test datasets covering large, mixed populations of computer users. Online samples skew a little higher because faster typists are more likely to take a test in the first place.
Averages are a starting point, not a ceiling
Almost anyone can pass 60 WPM with a few months of proper practice. Treat 40 WPM as the number to leave behind, not to aim for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slightly. It sits just above the ~40 WPM population average and is a perfectly workable speed for most office tasks.
Self-selection. People who enjoy typing or want to prove a fast speed take these tests more often, pulling the visible average up.
For trained Hindi typists it is around 25–30 WPM, reflecting the denser script and the fact that most Hindi typing is exam-oriented.
It depends entirely on the role. General office work often expects 40–60 WPM; data entry, transcription and administrative roles frequently require 50–70+ WPM. Always check the specific job posting or exam notification for its exact requirement.
There's no fixed requirement, but 40–60 WPM makes schoolwork and note-taking noticeably more comfortable. Prioritize accuracy and consistent technique over chasing a specific number early on.
Many data-entry roles look for 50–70 WPM, though this varies by employer. Since data-entry work is judged heavily on correctness, prioritize accuracy — frequent errors reduce effective productivity more than moderate speed loss does.
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