WPM Calculator
Already took a test elsewhere? Enter your word count and time to calculate your exact WPM score and see how you rank.
What is a Good WPM Score?
Use this benchmark table to see exactly where your WPM score places you among all typists worldwide. These percentages are based on global typing speed studies.
| WPM Range | Level | Typists | Who Typically Scores This |
|---|---|---|---|
| 130+ WPM | World Class | Top 1% | Competitive typists, stenographers |
| 110 to 130 WPM | Expert | Top 2% | Advanced professionals, power users |
| 90 to 110 WPM | Professional | Top 6% | Experienced typists, secretaries |
| 70 to 90 WPM | Fast | Top 12% | Power users, bloggers, writers |
| 50 to 70 WPM | Above Average | Top 25% | Regular keyboard users, office staff |
| 35 to 50 WPM | Average | Middle 35% | Most office workers, general users |
| 20 to 35 WPM | Basic | Bottom 15% | Casual computer users |
| Under 20 WPM | Beginner | Bottom 5% | First-time typists, hunt and peck |
The global average typing speed is approximately 40 WPM. Scoring above 50 WPM places you ahead of the majority of internet users.
WPM Requirements by Job
Different professions have different WPM standards. Use this table to see if your current speed meets the requirements for your target role.
| Job Title | Required WPM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Office Work | 40 WPM | Minimum professional standard |
| Administrative Assistant | 50 to 70 WPM | Accuracy is important |
| Data Entry Clerk | 60 to 80 WPM | Speed is critical, 95% accuracy |
| Live Chat Agent | 65+ WPM | Real-time response required |
| Medical Transcriptionist | 80+ WPM | High accuracy needed, medical vocabulary |
| Legal Secretary | 70+ WPM | Specialized legal vocabulary |
| Court Reporter | 225+ WPM | Stenotype machine, not standard keyboard |
How is WPM Calculated?
A standard "word" in typing is defined as 5 characters. This includes spaces. So typing 300 characters in 1 minute equals 60 WPM.
Official employment tests often use Net WPM, which penalizes each error by subtracting 1 word from your gross score. Accuracy matters as much as speed.
Characters Per Minute (CPM) is the raw count of correct characters typed per minute. It is exactly 5 times your WPM. Some employers report CPM instead of WPM.
Accuracy is the percentage of keystrokes that were correct. A 95% accuracy means 95 out of every 100 keystrokes hit the right key. Most jobs require 90% or above.
WPM Milestone Challenges
Can you reach these WPM milestones? Each challenge tracks your achievement and saves it locally. Start the test targeting a specific goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good WPM score?
A good WPM score depends on your goals. For general professional use, 50 to 70 WPM is above average. For data entry and office work, 60 to 80 WPM is the standard. The global average is approximately 40 WPM, so anything above 50 WPM places you ahead of most people. Competitive typists aim for 100 WPM or higher.
What is the average typing speed in WPM?
The average typing speed is approximately 40 WPM for most adults who type regularly without formal training. Trained touch typists average 50 to 70 WPM. Office professionals average 55 to 65 WPM. The all-time speed record on a standard keyboard is 212 WPM, achieved by Barbara Blackburn using the Dvorak layout.
How is WPM calculated?
WPM uses the formula: (total correct characters divided by 5) divided by elapsed minutes. The number 5 is the standard word length, so typing 300 correct characters in 1 minute gives you 60 WPM. Official tests often use Net WPM, which subtracts 1 for each error: Net WPM equals Gross WPM minus number of errors.
What WPM do I need for data entry?
Data entry clerk positions typically require 60 to 80 WPM with at least 95 percent accuracy. Entry-level positions may accept 60 WPM, while senior roles expect 70 to 80 WPM. Most employers also require a minimum accuracy alongside the WPM score because data entry errors can have significant business consequences.
What is the difference between WPM and CPM?
WPM measures standardized 5-character word units per minute. CPM counts the actual total correct characters typed per minute and is always approximately 5 times your WPM. For example, 60 WPM equals about 300 CPM. WPM is the more widely used and understood measure, while CPM is preferred in some specialized employment contexts.
What WPM is needed for live chat jobs?
Live chat agent positions typically require a minimum of 65 WPM with at least 95 percent accuracy. High-volume support centers may require 70 to 80 WPM. Because live chat agents respond to customers in real time while simultaneously reading and navigating systems, typing speed directly impacts customer satisfaction and agent performance metrics.
Is 60 WPM a good typing speed?
Yes, 60 WPM is a good typing speed, placing you in the top 28 percent of typists globally. At 60 WPM you can handle most professional office tasks efficiently, qualify for the majority of administrative and data entry positions, and meet live chat support requirements. Most employers consider 60 WPM with high accuracy to be a strong performance level.