What is a good typing speed for a beginner?

For beginners, a typing speed of 10-20 words per minute (WPM) is normal, focusing on using all fingers and accuracy over speed initially, with gradual increases to 30-40 WPM (average) as you build muscle memory through practice on platforms like TypingClub or Monkeytype. Don't rush; prioritize correct technique to avoid strain and reach higher speeds, as speed naturally improves with consistent, accurate practice.

How fast should a beginner type?

Absolute beginners type around 10-20 words per minute.

Is 20 words per minute slow?

Yes, 20 WPM is generally considered slow, falling below the average typing speed of 35-40 WPM, but it's a great starting point for beginners, especially if focusing on accuracy, and can be sufficient for very basic tasks or jobs not requiring significant typing. While slow for professional work like transcription or coding, it's a good foundation for learners to build upon with daily practice, aiming to improve accuracy and speed.
 

Is 37 words per minute good?

Yes, 37 WPM is a decent, average typing speed, falling into the intermediate range, especially good if you're a beginner or using "hunt and peck," but it's slower than the 40-60 WPM average for adults and professional typists, though speed can be improved with practice, notes The Predictive Index, Script Timer, Tidio, Reddit r/Keyboard, Quora (March 7, 2015), and Reddit r/typing. 

Is 32 WPM slow?

Average typing speeds

There's quite a range between slow, average, and fast typing speeds. A slow typing speed is below 20 WPM. An average typing speed is around 40 WPM, 80 WPM is considered excellent, and 120 WPM is quite advanced.

How To Type Faster (Tips for every stage 0 - 50 - 100 - 150 WPM)

Can I improve my typing speed?

Proper practice and good typing habits can increase your typing speed by 10-15 words per minute (wpm). If you want to become an efficient typist, there are several things you can try. For example, you can try online programs or apps that provide feedback on your typing speed and accuracy to learn proper techniques.

How fast do doctors type?

Results. A total of 104 of 280 residents (37%) participated in the study. There was equal representation from various specialties, backgrounds, and all postgraduate levels of training. The median typing speed was 30.4 net WPM.

Does typing speed decline with age?

Older adults typically type slower—around 25–30 words per minute—compared to younger people's 60–80 wpm (TypingTest.com). However, they make significantly fewer mistakes (10FastFingers.com, 2023). This is because seniors often take a deliberate and thoughtful approach to typing.

Do employers care about WPM?

If typing skills are important enough to a role that an employer requires you to pass a typing test, chances are they're looking for an average WPM of at least 60. Above 70 WPM is considered advanced, and only 1% of typists score above 100 WPM.

What is top 1% typing speed?

The top 1% of typing speed is generally considered to be 140-160 WPM (Words Per Minute) or higher, with many competitive typists pushing past 200 WPM and official records exceeding 200 WPM on standard keyboards, while some special keyboards (stenotype) can even reach 300+ WPM for professionals like court reporters, far surpassing the average of around 40 WPM. 

How to increase typing speed from 20 to 30?

11 tips for improving your typing speed

1. Test your current typing speed. ...
2. Make your goal progress, not perfection. ...
3. Learn to touch type. ...
4. Learn the proper typing home row position. ...
5. Practice proper posture. ...
6. Don't look at your keyboard. ...
7. Practice typing regularly. ...
8. Optimize your setup.

Has anyone typed 300 WPM?

Yes, people have typed over 300 WPM, notably a teenager known as MythicalRocket achieved over 300 WPM (around 305 WPM) in 2024 on a standard keyboard for short bursts, setting a new record, though these speeds are often for short durations (like 15 seconds) and on online platforms like Monkeytype. Other users on platforms like Monkeytype's leaderboards have also reached similar speeds, while dedicated steno (stenotype) machine users can maintain much higher speeds for longer periods, as seen in videos.
 

What's the average reading speed?

The average oral reading rate (based on 77 studies and 5965 participants) is 183 wpm. Reading rates are lower for children, old adults, and readers with English as second language. The reading rates are in line with maximum listening speed and do not require the assumption of reading-specific language processing.

Can I learn typing in 7 days?

Yes, you can learn the basics of touch typing in 7 days, establishing good finger placement (home row) and avoiding looking at the keyboard, but achieving high speeds (40+ WPM) takes weeks or months of consistent practice; focus on accuracy and proper posture, not speed, initially, using short, daily sessions to build muscle memory for lasting improvement. 

What typing speed do jobs look for?

A typing speed of 40–60 WPM is ideal for office jobs, ensuring efficiency in data entry, emails, and documents while maintaining accuracy. Many roles require at least 40 WPM, with faster speeds boosting productivity. Regular practice and keyboard shortcuts can further enhance efficiency in a professional setting.

How to typing faster for beginners?

Learn how to touch type

1. Sit straight and remember to keep your back straight.
2. Keep your elbows bent at the right angle.
3. Face the screen with your head slightly tilted forward.
4. Keep at least 45 - 70 cm of distance between your eyes and the screen.
5. Еxpose the shoulder, arm, and wrist muscles to the least possible strain.

Which jobs need fast typing?

Jobs requiring typing skills

• Administrative Work. ...
• Journalism, Freelance Writing and Content Creation. ...
• Data Entry. ...
• Customer Support. ...
• Medical Transcription. ...
• Research. ...
• Copy-editing.

How do I mention typing speed in my resume?

You may include your typing speed in the skills section and different typing-related skills. To validate this, you can also share measurable experiences and achievements in your experience section. If these skills are pertinent for the role, you can also mention them in your professional summary.

How to pass a typing test?

How do you pass a typing test?

1. Before you find yourself competing for a job that requires uncanny typing ability, practice. Practice a lot. ...
2. Don't slouch. When it comes to speed and accuracy, your posture matters. ...
3. Study the proper technique.

Does ADHD affect typing speed?

The study found that students with ADHD exhibited slower handwriting speeds than did neurotypical students, which slowed their transcription speed. By contrast, no differences in typing speed were found between the ADHD and non-ADHD groups.

How many days does it take to improve typing speed?

By starting with a 30 minutes typing class every day, you will begin to see improvements in your touch typing speed within 2 weeks. The average person spends at least three and a half hours a day using a keyboard while doing work, writing emails, messaging, using social networks, etc.

At what age does a person slow down?

“Cognitive decline may begin after midlife, but most often occurs at higher ages (70 or higher).” (Aartsen, et al., 2002) “… relatively little decline in performance occurs until people are about 50 years old.” (Albert & Heaton, 1988).

What is a top 1% typing speed?

The top 1% of typing speed is generally considered to be 140-160 WPM (Words Per Minute) or higher, with many competitive typists pushing past 200 WPM and official records exceeding 200 WPM on standard keyboards, while some special keyboards (stenotype) can even reach 300+ WPM for professionals like court reporters, far surpassing the average of around 40 WPM. 

What is the longest shift a doctor can work?

Yes, doctors can work 24-hour shifts. They are not on their feet, working for the duration of the shift, however. The 24 hours alludes to how long they're on call. Physicians are permitted to rest when they can find time during this shift, but they must be ready to go if or when they are called to attend to a patient.

What is a good typing speed for a lawyer?

65 – 75 WPM: Range for highly skilled typists.