The average typing speed refers to the number of words that an individual can type in a minute. This statistic is useful for a variety of reasons, including measuring a person’s typing proficiency and establishing benchmarks for productivity levels. It is also helpful for evaluating the typing skills of job applicants and employees.
While the average typing speed varies by person, a proficient typist can typically reach speeds of around 65 WPM or more. A higher WPM can lead to quicker task completion and improved work efficiency, which may improve an individual’s professional profile.
Depending on the role, a person’s typing speed may be more or less important. For example, an administrative assistant who needs to send a few dozen emails each day may find that their typing speed is not as important as a programmer who has to write and edit complex code.
The speed at which individuals are able to type usually depends on their finger placement, typing method, and typing practice. For instance, touch typists who use the home row technique tend to be faster typists than hunt and peck typists. This is because touch typists don’t look at the keyboard as they type, instead using muscle memory to quickly locate the keys.
In addition, those who take frequent typing tests and practice regularly can usually improve their WPM over time. This is especially true if they focus on eradicating bad habits, such as looking at the keyboard when typing or typing with only two fingers. average typing speed