Global Average
Studies of general adult typing speed consistently place the median around 40–55 WPM, with significant variation. The average for regular computer users who have not specifically trained is closer to 40 WPM.
By Age Group
- Teenagers (13–17): Often 35–45 WPM due to heavy texting/gaming but informal technique
- Young adults (18–30): 40–55 WPM average for regular computer users
- Adults (30–50): 40–50 WPM; professional typists often higher
- Older adults (50+): Varies widely; trained typists maintain speed well
By Profession
- Data entry workers: 60–80 WPM (required accuracy: 98%+)
- Administrative assistants: 55–75 WPM
- Transcriptionists: 75–100 WPM
- Programmers: 50–70 WPM (code structure limits raw speed)
- Journalists: 60–80 WPM
- General office workers: 40–55 WPM
How to Find Your Average Speed
Take a standardized 1-minute or 5-minute test at TypingTest.now to get an accurate baseline. Single short tests can vary by 5–15 WPM depending on the text, so take 3–5 tests and average them.
How to Improve
If you are below 40 WPM, touch typing fundamentals will make the biggest difference. If you are between 40–60 WPM with bad form, fixing technique gives faster returns than just more practice. Our complete learning guide covers the path forward.