Fastest typing speed record
The fastest typing speeds reported are above 200 WPM. These figures come from careful tests, but they depend on the method, the text and how mistakes are counted, so treat them as reports, not exact facts.
Reports of the fastest typists
- Stella Pajunas is commonly reported to have typed 216 WPM on an electric typewriter in a 1946 contest.
- Barbara Blackburn is reported to have sustained about 150 WPM over a long stretch, with short bursts of 212 WPM.
Online typing sites show results above 200 WPM for short bursts of text. Those are measured by the site itself and use different rules from a typewriter contest.
Why the numbers differ
- Text: common words are easier than rare ones, and punctuation slows you down.
- Mistakes: some tests subtract errors, others stop you until you fix them.
- Length: a 15 second burst gives a higher speed than ten minutes.
- Device: typewriters, keyboards and keyboards with special layouts behave differently.
How you compare
Most people type about 40 WPM. To reach 100 WPM you need years of daily practice. See the full range on average typing speed, and test yourself with the 15 second typing test, which shows your top speed best.
Questions
What is the fastest typing speed in the world?
Reports put the highest above 200 WPM. Exact figures depend on the test and the rules.
Can a human type 300 WPM?
Short bursts of very fast typing have been reported online, but it is not a sustained speed.
What is a very good typing speed?
Above 90 WPM is very fast. Above 120 WPM is competitive.