Words per minute (WPM) measures typing speed, quantifying how many words a person can input into a keyboard in one minute. A standard “word” is defined as five characters, including spaces and punctuation. This metric evaluates efficiency and proficiency. For many, the question of whether 60 WPM is good centers on its implications for productivity and career prospects.
Understanding WPM and Accuracy
WPM is calculated by taking the total characters typed, dividing by five to get the number of “words,” and then dividing by the time spent typing in minutes. This initial figure is known as Gross WPM, a raw measure of speed without an error penalty.
Accuracy is an equally important metric, measuring the percentage of correct entries out of the total keystrokes typed. A high Gross WPM with poor accuracy is counterproductive, as time spent correcting errors negates the speed advantage. The industry often uses Adjusted WPM or Net WPM, which accounts for mistakes. Net WPM is derived by subtracting the errors made per minute from the Gross WPM, providing a more realistic assessment of effective typing skill. For professional purposes, an accuracy rate of 97% or higher is commonly desired.
The Average Typing Speed Benchmark
The average typing speed for the general population is often cited around 40 WPM. This average includes people who do not use proper technique, such as those who “hunt and peck” with only a few fingers, whose average speed is significantly lower, sometimes around 27 WPM.
A speed of 60 WPM is significantly above the average for the general population. For those who use touch typing techniques, the average speed is often slightly over 50 WPM. This means a 60 WPM rate is still faster than the typical touch typist, placing the typist in a more proficient category compared to most computer users.
Is 60 WPM Sufficient for Professional Roles?
The sufficiency of a 60 WPM speed depends heavily on the specific requirements of the job. For many general office and administrative roles, a speed of 50 to 60 WPM is considered competent. Administrative assistants and executive assistants are often expected to type at 60 WPM or more to handle documentation, emails, and meeting notes efficiently.
Specialized roles focused on high-volume text input often require faster speeds. For data entry specialists and transcriptionists, the required speed frequently ranges from 70 WPM to over 90 WPM, with high accuracy being paramount. While 60 WPM is a solid baseline, it may not meet the productivity demands for these speed-intensive positions.
For managerial or executive roles, where the primary focus is on decision-making and communication rather than constant data input, a high typing speed is less of a concern. In these positions, 60 WPM is more than adequate for drafting emails and light document creation. Therefore, 60 WPM is generally acceptable for most white-collar jobs but may fall short for positions where typing is the core function.
Factors That Influence Typing Speed Needs
The necessity of a high WPM is context-dependent. The frequency of typing required in a role is a major variable; a person who types for only an hour a day needs a lower speed than someone who types continuously for six hours. The complexity of the text also influences real-world speed, as typing highly technical jargon or complex data is slower than typing casual emails.
The nature of the task is another determining factor, particularly whether the work involves transcribing spoken words simultaneously. Live transcription, coding, or customer service chat roles demand a sustained, high speed to keep pace with real-time conversations. In these scenarios, the cognitive load of processing information while typing means a higher baseline speed is needed to maintain an effective working rate.
Actionable Steps to Improve Typing Speed
Individuals looking to increase their speed beyond 60 WPM should focus on refining their technique rather than simply rushing. Learning and practicing touch typing is foundational, training the fingers to find the keys without looking at the keyboard. This builds the muscle memory necessary for sustained speed.
Focusing on accuracy before speed is a recommended strategy, as minimizing errors prevents time-consuming interruptions for corrections. Consistent, short practice sessions (15 to 30 minutes daily) are more effective for skill development than occasional long sessions. Utilizing online typing tools and games can provide structured practice and track progress.
Proper ergonomics also plays a role in long-term speed and endurance. Maintaining a comfortable, upright posture and ensuring the keyboard and screen are positioned correctly reduces fatigue and allows for sustained performance. Keeping the wrists straight and fingers on the home row keys provides the optimal starting position for efficient keystrokes.