Is 50 WPM good? What each typing speed means
Most people type between 38 and 45 WPM, so 50 WPM is a little above average and good enough for nearly every office job. Here is what each speed means in everyday life.
Typing speed, score by score
| Speed | Verdict | What it feels like |
|---|---|---|
| 20 WPM | Slow | Finding each key. Typing a page takes over 20 minutes. |
| 30 WPM | Below average | Fine for short messages. Longer writing feels slow. |
| 40 WPM | Average | Comfortable for email and chat. |
| 50 WPM | Good | Meets most job requirements. A page takes about 10 minutes. |
| 60 WPM | Good to fast | Handles long documents without strain. |
| 70 WPM | Fast | Few glances at the keyboard. |
| 80 WPM | Very fast | Professional typist territory. |
| 100 WPM | Elite | Years of practice, often a good keyboard. |
| 120 WPM and up | Competitive | Typing contest speed. |
Speed is only half of it
A score of 60 WPM with 85% accuracy is worse than 50 WPM with 98%. Every mistake has to be found and fixed, and that takes longer than typing the word right the first time. Most employers ask for 95% accuracy or better. Check both numbers when you take a typing test.
What is a good speed for you?
It depends on what you type. For emails and homework, 40 WPM is enough. For office work, aim for 45 to 60. For data entry, 55 to 80. For transcription, 80 and up. See typing speed for jobs for the full list.
Students can compare themselves with typing speed by grade. Adults can look at average typing speed.
How to move up one level
Going from 30 to 45 WPM is mostly a matter of touch typing: using all ten fingers and not looking at the keys. Going from 45 to 60 is a matter of accuracy and rhythm. Going beyond 70 takes years of daily typing and careful practice. Follow the 30 day practice plan or start the typing lessons.
Questions
Is 50 WPM good?
Yes. It is above the average of about 40 WPM and meets the requirement of most office jobs.
Is 60 WPM fast?
It is good to fast. Many typists never pass 60 WPM, and it is plenty for almost every job.
Is 30 WPM bad?
It is below average, but it is a good starting point. Short daily practice can take you to 45 WPM in a month or two.
Is 100 WPM realistic?
Yes for a few people. It takes years of daily typing and careful practice.