What’s the average typical speed for typing on a keyboard? Who holds the record for the fastest typing in words per minute? How can enhancing your typing abilities improve your job prospects? Discover all the answers and more in this infographic!
Record-breaking typing speed
The fastest typing speed ever recorded was 216 words per minute (WPM), achieved by Stella Pajunas in 1946 on an IBM electric typewriter. This remarkable feat set a benchmark for typists worldwide. In more recent history, Barbara Blackburn became the fastest English-language typist, reaching an impressive 212 WPM during a test in 2005. Unlike most typists who use the standard QWERTY layout, she used the Dvorak simplified keyboard, designed for efficiency and speed.
The average typing speed is just 41.4 words per minute (WPM)—significantly lower than the speeds of record-breaking typists or even the level required for professional efficiency. Despite this, it still has a decent speed for everyday typing tasks. However, improving your WPM can give you a competitive edge.
Who Can Type the Fastest?
On average, boys type 44 words per minute (WPM), slightly faster than girls’ average of 37 WPM—a difference of 7 WPM. This is surprising given that studies suggest girls tend to practise typing more often and are more interested in improving their skills than boys.
You can take a keyboarding test whenever you’d like to evaluate your skills and determine if you type faster than average.
How about typos?
The average typing accuracy is approximately 92%, meaning a typist makes around 8 errors per 100 words. For professional typing roles, the desired accuracy is typically 97% or higher.
However, mistakes don’t always happen due to typing errors—sometimes, they result from faulty key operation. To ensure your keyboard is working correctly, you can use our keyboard tester.
Above the average
Regular practice is the most essential aspect of becoming a skilled typist. Let’s emphasise that—practice, practice, practice. Studies indicate that those who type faster than average typically spend three times more time practising compared to those with average or below-average typing speeds.
The best time to start learning
Strong typing skills can help young people achieve better academic results in school or university and increase their chances of securing better job opportunities after graduation. 65% of those who learn to touch type quickly are under 24 years old. For individuals over 25, the primary reason for improving touch typing is to enhance productivity and success in their current careers.
Motivation
Improving touch typing skills is vital for individuals under 18, though people of all ages can gain from consistent practice. Fast typing speed is a valuable asset often emphasised on resumes, making it beneficial for enhancing your skills. Invest more time in practice to achieve more remarkable results with Ratatype.
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