Understanding WPM: What's a Good Typing Speed?
Words Per Minute (WPM) is the standard measurement for typing speed. But what constitutes a good typing speed, and how do you compare to others?
What is WPM?
WPM measures how many words you can type in one minute. In typing tests, a "word" is typically calculated as 5 characters (including spaces).
Average Typing Speeds
- Beginner: 10-20 WPM
- Average: 35-40 WPM
- Good: 50-60 WPM
- Excellent: 70+ WPM
- Professional: 80+ WPM
Typing Speeds by Profession
Different careers require different typing speeds:
- Data Entry: 60-70 WPM
- Administrative Assistant: 50-60 WPM
- Programmer: 40-50 WPM (accuracy more important)
- Transcriptionist: 80+ WPM
- Court Reporter: 200+ WPM (stenography)
Setting Realistic Goals
Start with achievable goals and gradually increase your targets:
- First Goal: 30 WPM with 95% accuracy