Typing proficiency is an increasingly relevant measure of efficiency in the modern workplace, where digital communication and document creation are nearly universal daily tasks. The speed at which an individual can input text, measured in words per minute (WPM), directly influences their productivity across a wide range of professional settings. Understanding what WPM represents and how different speeds compare to industry expectations provides the necessary context to determine if a speed of 20 WPM is sufficient for today’s employment landscape.
Understanding Words Per Minute
Words Per Minute (WPM) is the standard metric used to quantify typing speed, providing a consistent measure of how quickly a person can input text. This measurement is not based on the actual length of words in a passage, but rather on a standardized definition to ensure test results are comparable globally. For calculation purposes, one “word” is uniformly defined as five characters or keystrokes, which includes letters, spaces, and punctuation marks.
Typing tests typically generate two primary results: Gross WPM and Net WPM. Gross WPM represents the total number of characters typed divided by five, irrespective of any mistakes made during the test. Net WPM is a more accurate reflection of usable speed, calculated by taking the Gross WPM and subtracting a penalty for every error made, often with each error negating a whole word. This distinction means a high Gross WPM with many errors can result in a much lower Net WPM, which is the figure most organizations consider when assessing a candidate’s actual efficiency.
Typing Speed Benchmarks
The expected typing speed varies considerably based on a person’s experience and the demands of their role, creating a clear set of established benchmarks. The average typing speed for a casual computer user across the general population is approximately 38 to 40 WPM. This range is generally sufficient for composing short emails or occasional internet searches, but falls below the expectations of most office environments.
A speed of 40 to 50 WPM is frequently considered the minimum threshold for many entry-level administrative or clerical office positions. Professionals such as managers or those in technical fields often operate comfortably at 50 to 60 WPM, a rate that allows for efficient report writing and correspondence.
Roles that rely heavily on continuous text input, such as data entry specialists, administrative assistants, or customer service representatives, typically require a significantly higher speed, often ranging from 60 to 90 WPM. Advanced typists, including professional transcriptionists or stenographers, regularly achieve speeds well above 90 WPM, sometimes exceeding 120 WPM. These speeds are necessary for real-time documentation or high-volume data processing.
Is 20 WPM Good?
Based on established benchmarks, a typing speed of 20 WPM is considered slow for modern professional standards. This speed falls significantly below the global average for computer users, which hovers around 40 WPM. While 20 WPM may be acceptable for very limited, non-work-related computer use, it is generally insufficient for maintaining productivity in any full-time office or administrative position.
For comparison, a study of computer users found that individuals in the “slow” group averaged around 23 WPM, placing 20 WPM at the very low end of user proficiency. Attempting to handle the daily volume of emails, reports, and data entry typical of a professional job at this pace would result in substantial time delays. Individuals aiming for employment that involves regular computer interaction should proactively seek to improve their speed, targeting at least the 40 to 50 WPM range to meet minimum workplace expectations.
When Does Typing Speed Matter Professionally?
Typing speed is a direct performance metric in roles where text input is a primary function, such as data entry, transcription, and administrative support. For a data entry specialist, a difference of 20 WPM can translate into hours of lost productivity over the course of a week, making a higher typing speed a prerequisite for the job. Customer service representatives and dispatch personnel also rely on high speed to quickly document calls or respond to real-time chat inquiries, where delays can impact service quality.
Even in non-typing-intensive jobs, slow typing negatively affects overall productivity and cognitive flow. When typing speed is considerably slower than the rate of thought, it creates a barrier between the idea and its documentation. This disruption hinders report creation, slows communication in emails, and forces the individual to spend more time on basic input tasks rather than strategic work. A proficient speed allows professionals, such as managers or developers, to execute digital tasks more efficiently.
Practical Steps to Increase Your WPM
Improving typing speed requires a structured approach focused on developing muscle memory and consistent practice. The single most impactful step is to transition away from the “hunt-and-peck” method to touch typing, which involves using all ten fingers and keeping the eyes on the screen. Learning the home row position—placing fingers on the ASDF and JKL; keys—is the foundation for this technique, allowing fingers to instinctively find the correct keys. This initial phase may temporarily reduce speed, but it is necessary for long-term gains.
Practice must be consistent, with short, regular sessions being more effective than infrequent, long ones. Many highly customizable online resources, such as MonkeyType or TypeRacer, offer structured lessons and drills that focus on specific letter combinations and words. When practicing, the focus should initially be on accuracy and not raw speed, as errors create poor muscle memory and require time-consuming correction. As accuracy improves, gradually increasing the pace will naturally follow, building speed on a solid foundation of precision.
Paying attention to ergonomic setup is another practical step. Ensure a comfortable posture with the screen at eye level and wrists resting lightly or elevated rather than pressed against the desk. Utilizing dedicated typing software or online courses also helps structure the learning process, often providing targeted feedback on specific weaknesses.
The Importance of Accuracy Over Raw Speed
While a high WPM score may seem desirable, accuracy is ultimately a more valuable component of typing efficiency than mere speed. Errors require the typist to stop, identify the mistake, backspace, and correct the text, a process that negates the time saved by typing quickly. An individual typing at 70 WPM with a 90% accuracy rate will often be less productive than someone typing at 60 WPM with a 98% accuracy rate. By focusing practice on achieving high accuracy first, a typist ensures that every word typed is a useful contribution to the task, leading to a higher rate of completed work over time.