Average Typing Speed: What Is the Average WPM?
Quick answer: a large Aalto University and University of Cambridge study reported an average of about 52 WPM in its 168,000-person volunteer sample, with most participants between 30 and 60 WPM. That is a useful research benchmark, not a universal population rule.
Quick answer: average typing speed in research
A frequently cited large-scale typing study collected 136 million keystrokes from 168,000 volunteers. Aalto University reported that the average speed in that volunteer sample was about 52 words per minute, and that most participants typed roughly 30–60 WPM. The study is valuable because of its size, but it should not be treated as a perfect census of every adult: the sample leaned young, experienced and U.S.-based.
| Number | What it means |
|---|---|
| 30–60 WPM | The range where most participants in the Aalto/Cambridge volunteer study typed. |
| 52 WPM | The average reported for that 168,000-person volunteer sample. |
| 60 WPM | Above the study average; a strong result if accuracy is also high. |
| 40 WPM | A useful work benchmark: U.S. OPM uses 40 WPM for certain federal Clerk-Typist and Office Automation positions. |
An average tells you what a study group did. A job or exam requirement tells you what you must achieve. If you are preparing for a specific role or recruitment test, use the exact published requirement.
Why 52 WPM is useful — but not a universal adult average
The research sample was unusually large, which makes it useful for understanding modern typing behaviour. However, Aalto also reported that the majority of participants were young, regular keyboard users, about 68% were from the United States, and roughly 70% had taken typing courses. That means the 52 WPM figure is best used as a research benchmark, not as a claim that every adult in every country averages exactly 52 WPM.
Language, keyboard layout, age, experience, test length and the type of text can all change a result. A person may also type much faster when copying simple text than when composing an email, report or essay from their own thoughts.
Is 60 WPM a good typing speed?
Yes. A sustained 60 WPM result with strong accuracy is a good typing speed for most everyday computer work. It is above the 52 WPM average in the large volunteer study and above the 40 WPM proficiency benchmark used for certain U.S. federal typing roles. You do not need 100+ WPM to be a productive student, teacher, office worker or professional.
Check your 5-minute WPM Check job & exam requirements
Average, good and required typing speed are different
| Term | Simple meaning |
|---|---|
| Average typing speed | A statistical result from a group of typists. It is useful for comparison, not a rule. |
| Good typing speed | A speed that is comfortable and useful for your own work while keeping errors low. |
| Required typing speed | A minimum set by an employer, exam or recruitment authority. This is the number you must follow when one is published. |
Simple WPM bands for your own practice
The bands below are TypingTutor.Online practice bands, not population statistics or hiring rules. They are meant to make a test result easier to understand.
- Below 30 WPM: still building keyboard familiarity; focus on correct fingers and accuracy.
- 30–40 WPM: comfortable for many personal and study tasks.
- 40–50 WPM: a strong everyday office range.
- 50–60 WPM: fast and efficient for most normal computer work.
- 60+ WPM: very good general typing speed when accuracy stays high.
Accuracy changes the meaning of WPM
A high gross speed with many mistakes is less useful than a slightly lower speed with clean text. The Aalto research also found that faster typists generally made fewer errors. For normal practice, aim to keep accuracy around 95% or better before forcing the speed higher; for error-sensitive work, aim higher.
Use a longer test for a fairer comparison
A one-minute test is convenient and useful for quick checks, but it can be influenced by an unusually easy passage or a short burst of concentration. A three- or five-minute test gives a better picture of sustained rhythm, and the five-minute result is usually the better number to compare week to week.
If you are an adult learner, see our Typing Speed Test for Adults guide. If your result is below your goal, use the 60-lesson typing course rather than repeatedly taking tests without fixing technique.
Sources checked
- Aalto University — The traits of fast typists discovered by analysing 136 million keystrokes
- Aalto University research portal — Observations on Typing from 136 Million Keystrokes (CHI 2018)
- U.S. Office of Personnel Management — typing proficiency requirement
Frequently asked questions
What is the average typing speed?
A large 2018 Aalto University and University of Cambridge study of 168,000 volunteers reported an average of about 52 WPM, with most participants between 30 and 60 WPM. The volunteer sample was not a perfect cross-section of all adults, so use the figure as a useful research benchmark rather than a universal population average.
Is 60 WPM a good typing speed?
Yes. In the large research sample, 60 WPM was above the reported average of about 52 WPM and near the upper end of the 30–60 WPM range where most participants fell. Accuracy still matters.
Is 40 WPM a good typing speed?
40 WPM is a useful practical speed for many everyday and office tasks. As one formal reference, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management uses 40 WPM for certain federal typing and office-automation positions.
How should I measure my average WPM?
Use the same test format each time. A one-minute test is useful for a quick check, while a three- to five-minute test usually gives a steadier picture of sustained speed and accuracy.