What Is a Good Typing Speed?

A good typing speed for most people is 40 words per minute (WPM), while professional typists and advanced users often aim for 70–100 WPM or higher. Anything above 40 WPM is considered above average, and speeds of 60 WPM and beyond are excellent for work, study, and gaming.

Why Typing Speed Matters

Typing speed directly affects productivity. Whether you’re writing emails, coding, or completing school assignments, being able to type quickly (and accurately) saves time and reduces mental fatigue.

Average Typing Speeds by Group

Casual users: 30–40 WPM
Students & office workers: 40–60 WPM
Advanced/professional typists: 70–100 WPM
Competitive typists & gamers: 120+ WPM

Accuracy vs. Speed

While speed is important, accuracy matters even more. Typing at 90 WPM with constant mistakes slows you down in the long run. A balance of speed and accuracy—ideally above 95% accuracy—is the real goal.

How to Improve Typing Speed

Practice regularly with typing tests and games.
Use proper hand placement (home row technique).
Minimize backspacing and focus on typing smoothly.
Build muscle memory by practicing common words and patterns.
Stay relaxed to avoid unnecessary tension in your fingers and wrists.

Final Thoughts

To put it simply: 40 WPM is a good typing speed for most people, while 70–100 WPM is excellent. By combining consistent practice with proper technique, you can steadily increase both your speed and accuracy, making you more efficient at work, school, or play.