Typing speed by grade (K to 12)
Schools do not agree on one set of typing goals, but many teachers use the ranges below. They are guides for planning practice, not tests that a child passes or fails.
Common goals by grade
| Grade | Age | Common goal | Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kindergarten | 5 to 6 | No speed goal | Test |
| Grade 1 | 6 to 7 | 2 to 5 WPM | Test |
| Grade 2 | 7 to 8 | 5 to 10 WPM | Test |
| Grade 3 | 8 to 9 | 10 to 15 WPM | Test |
| Grade 4 | 9 to 10 | 15 to 20 WPM | Test |
| Grade 5 | 10 to 11 | 20 to 25 WPM | Test |
| Grade 6 | 11 to 12 | 25 to 30 WPM | Test |
| Grade 7 | 12 to 13 | 30 to 35 WPM | Test |
| Grade 8 | 13 to 14 | 35 to 40 WPM | Test |
| Grade 9 | 14 to 15 | 40 to 45 WPM | Test |
| Grade 10 | 15 to 16 | 40 to 50 WPM | Test |
| Grade 11 | 16 to 17 | 45 to 55 WPM | Test |
| Grade 12 | 17 to 18 | 50 to 60 WPM | Test |
What the standards say
There is no national WPM standard in the United States. The Common Core State Standards, used in many states, ask for keyboarding skill in terms of how much a student can type in one sitting: at least one page in grade 4, two pages in grade 5 and three pages in grade 6. Your state or school district may set its own goals, so check with your child's teacher.
Accuracy before speed
In the early grades, a child who types slowly and accurately is ahead of one who types fast and sloppily. Raise speed only when accuracy stays above 90%, then 95% in later grades. A habit of good finger placement now is worth more than extra WPM today.
How to help a child reach these goals
Ten minutes a day beats an hour a week. Start with the typing lessons, and test progress once a week on the typing test for kids. Praise effort and accuracy, and let your child beat their own score.
Questions
What is a good typing speed for a 5th grader?
Many teachers aim for 20 to 25 WPM in grade 5.
When do schools start teaching typing?
Most start keyboard lessons in grade 3 (age 8 to 9), and some earlier.
How many WPM should a high school student type?
About 40 to 60 WPM, depending on the grade and the amount of writing.
Is there an official WPM standard for each grade?
No. The goals above are common guides that many teachers use.