Average Typing Speed by Age: How Do You Compare?

By TypeForge · June 2025 · 5 min read

Curious how your typing speed stacks up? Whether you're 14 or 54, there's a benchmark for your age group — and knowing where you stand is the first step to improving. Here's the data.

Average WPM by Age Group

Age Group	Average WPM	Good WPM	Exceptional WPM
Under 13	20–30	35+	50+
13–17 (Teens)	35–45	55+	75+
18–24	45–55	70+	90+
25–40	50–60	75+	100+
41–55	45–55	65+	85+
55+	35–45	55+	70+

📊 The 18–40 age range consistently produces the fastest typists — not because of raw ability, but because of daily keyboard exposure through work, school, and social media.

Why Teens Are Catching Up Fast

Today's teenagers have grown up with smartphones and laptops from an early age. Many 16–18 year olds now type 60–80 WPM without any formal training — purely from messaging, gaming, and social media. The gap between teens and adults is closing rapidly.

Does Typing Speed Decline With Age?

Slightly — but far less than most people assume. Research shows that older typists compensate for slower reaction times by reading ahead further in text, effectively predicting what they'll type next. A 55-year-old who types regularly can easily outperform a 25-year-old who doesn't practice.

The biggest factor isn't age — it's daily keyboard time and deliberate practice.

Professional Benchmarks

Data entry jobs: Typically require 60–80 WPM minimum
Administrative / secretarial: 65–75 WPM standard
Court reporters: 225+ WPM (stenography machines)
Competitive typists: 130–200+ WPM
World record: 212 WPM (Barbara Blackburn, English)

Where Do You Actually Stand?

The only way to know is to test. A 1-minute test gives you a solid baseline. Take it now, compare to your age group above, and you'll know exactly what to work on.

Find Your WPM Now →