Typing speed by age
There is no official table of typing speed by age. The ranges below are rough guides based on common school goals and what adults who practise reach. Practice matters far more than age.
Rough ranges
| Age | Typical WPM | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6 to 8 | 2 to 10 | Learning where the letters are. Accuracy first. |
| 9 to 11 | 10 to 25 | School keyboard lessons start. Speed rises quickly. |
| 12 to 14 | 25 to 40 | Typing becomes a daily tool for homework. |
| 15 to 18 | 35 to 55 | Many reach a good adult speed. |
| 19 to 40 | 38 to 60 | Most adults land here. Daily typers are faster. |
| 41 to 60 | 35 to 55 | Similar, with a wide spread depending on habit. |
| 60 and over | 25 to 45 | Often a little slower, but many keep a good pace. |
Why age is a weak predictor
People of the same age differ widely. A 15 year old who plays and chats all day can type faster than a 40 year old who types once a week. What matters is how much you type and whether you learned to touch type. A 60 year old who learns to touch type can pass a 30 year old who never did.
What slows people down with age
Reaction time and finger dexterity change slowly over the decades, and joint stiffness can slow the hands. Many older typists make up for it with experience: they know the words, they read ahead and they make fewer mistakes. If your hands ache, take breaks and read how to avoid hand strain.
Check your own speed
The quickest way to see where you stand is to take a 1 minute typing test. Children can try the kids test for their grade.
Questions
What is the average typing speed by age?
Roughly 10 to 25 WPM at ages 9 to 11, 35 to 55 for teenagers, and 38 to 60 for adults. These are rough guides.
Do older people type slower?
On average a little slower, but there is a wide range, and many older typists are fast and accurate.
Can a child type 40 WPM?
Yes, with practice. Some children reach 40 WPM by the age of 12 or 13.