Is My Typing Speed Good? The Complete WPM Rating Scale

You just finished a typing test and got your WPM score. Now you're wondering: is that actually good? Whether you scored 30 WPM or 100 WPM, this guide gives you a definitive answer — with percentile data, job benchmarks, and what to aim for next.

Quick Answer: Is Your WPM Good?

Here's the short version. Find your speed and see where you stand:

Is [X] WPM Good? Detailed Breakdown

Let's go through each speed range in detail so you know exactly where you stand and what to do next.

Is 30 WPM Good?

30 WPM is below average for adults. The global average is 40–52 WPM, so you're about 10–20 WPM behind. At this speed, typing a standard email (~100 words) takes over 3 minutes.

Good news: This is the easiest speed range to improve from. Learning touch typing and practicing 15 min/day can get you to 50 WPM within 3–4 weeks.

Is 40 WPM Good?

40 WPM is average. You're right at the global mean and meet the minimum for most office jobs (40–50 WPM). A 100-word email takes about 2.5 minutes.

Next goal: Push to 50–55 WPM to move into the "above average" tier and stand out in job applications.

Is 50 WPM Good?

50 WPM is above average — you're faster than ~60% of all typists. This speed is comfortable for office work, emails, reports, and general productivity. Most employers would be satisfied.

Next goal: Aim for 60 WPM to enter the "fast" category and qualify for typing-intensive roles.

Is 60 WPM Good?

60 WPM is very good. You're faster than 75% of typists and exceed the requirements for customer support (55–80 WPM), administrative roles (50–70 WPM), and most professional positions.

At this speed: A 100-word email takes just 1 minute 40 seconds. You can comfortably handle live chat support.

Is 70 WPM Good?

70 WPM is excellent — top 20% of all typists. This qualifies you for data entry (60–80 WPM), transcription work, and any job that lists typing as a key requirement.

Context: Most professional writers type 60–90 WPM. At 70 WPM, you're writing at professional speed.

Is 80 WPM Good?

80 WPM is very fast — you're in the top 10%. This exceeds virtually every job requirement and puts you at professional typist level. Only dedicated typists reach this consistently.

Is 90 WPM Good?

90 WPM is exceptional — top 5% globally. This is competitive typing territory. Professional transcriptionists work at this speed, and competitive typing communities would consider you skilled.

Is 100 WPM Good?

100+ WPM is elite — you're in the top 1% of all typists worldwide. Competitive speed typists on platforms like TypeRacer aim for 120–150 WPM, but 100 WPM already puts you far above nearly everyone.

Why Accuracy Matters More Than Speed

A common mistake is chasing raw WPM without considering accuracy. Here's the reality:

• 60 WPM at 95% accuracy = ~57 effective WPM (3 errors/min, quick to fix)
• 80 WPM at 85% accuracy = ~56 effective WPM (12 errors/min, constant corrections)

The "faster" typist actually produces less usable text. Always aim for 95%+ accuracy before pushing speed higher.

What's "Good" Depends on Context

How to Improve Your WPM

No matter where you are now, here's how to level up:

1. Learn touch typing — stop looking at the keyboard. Follow our 14-day touch typing plan
2. Practice 15 min/day — consistency beats marathon sessions every time
3. Accuracy first — type slowly and correctly, then gradually increase speed
4. Use the heatmap — our typing test shows which keys slow you down
5. Mix content types — practice with words, quotes, and code to build versatile speed