Typing Speed Test: WPM, Accuracy, and What's Considered Fast
WPM (words per minute) measures how fast you type β averaged over 60 seconds, with errors counted against you. The average is around 40 WPM; professional typists hit 70β90; competitive typists exceed 150.
Standard WPM uses 5 characters as one 'word' β so 250 characters per minute = 50 WPM. Net WPM (used in tests) subtracts errors: a typo costs you the same as not typing the word at all. Accuracy matters as much as raw speed.
Typing speed benchmarks
| WPM | Level |
|---|---|
| 10β20 | Beginner / hunt-and-peck |
| 30β40 | Average adult |
| 50β60 | Comfortable touch-typist |
| 70β90 | Fast / professional typist |
| 100+ | Very fast |
| 150+ | Competitive level |
Tips to improve
- β’Touch type β fingers stay over home row, eyes on screen
- β’Practice accuracy first, speed comes naturally
- β’Use proper hand position (left hand: ASDF, right: JKL;)
- β’Take regular breaks β fatigue tanks both speed and accuracy
- β’Practice with real text rather than random word generators for natural rhythm
Extended FAQ
Does typing fast in Korean Hangul use the same WPM scale?
Korean typing tests use νμ (taja, characters per minute) which is roughly equivalent to 5ΓWPM in English. 250 νμ β 50 WPM in English equivalency.
Are my typing scores stored?
No β runs entirely in your browser.