Typing speed varies significantly across age groups and professions. Understanding these averages helps you set realistic expectations and goals for your own typing journey.
Average Typing Speed by Age
| Age Group | Average WPM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6-11 years | 10-15 WPM | Just learning keyboard basics |
| 12-16 years | 25-35 WPM | Developing skills through schoolwork |
| 17-25 years | 35-55 WPM | Digital natives with regular keyboard use |
| 26-45 years | 40-60 WPM | Peak years with work experience |
| 46-60 years | 35-50 WPM | Slight decline but maintained through practice |
| 60+ years | 25-40 WPM | Varies widely based on computer experience |
Typing Speed by Profession
Software Developers: 50-80 WPM average. While code isn't written at full speed, fast typing helps with documentation, emails, and code reviews.
Writers & Journalists: 60-90 WPM. Professional writers often develop excellent speed through years of daily writing.
Data Entry Specialists: 60-90 WPM with high accuracy requirements. This is one of the few jobs where typing speed is directly measured.
Administrative Staff: 50-70 WPM. Consistent speed needed for correspondence and document preparation.
Students: 30-50 WPM. Varies widely based on how much time they spend typing.
Factors That Affect Typing Speed
- Practice frequency: Daily typists are naturally faster
- Typing method: Touch typing vs hunt-and-peck makes a huge difference
- Keyboard type: Familiar keyboards yield faster speeds
- Text complexity: Common words are typed faster than technical jargon
- Physical condition: Fatigue, cold hands, and stress all reduce speed
Want to see where you stand? Take a WPM test and compare your results to these averages.