How Fast Should I Type?

The honest answer is: fast enough for the job you want, with accuracy high enough that nobody has to fix your work. There is no single number that applies everywhere, but there are useful reference points.

Rough expectations by role

These are general ranges, not rules. Employers set their own requirements, and many care more about accuracy than raw speed.

Why net speed matters more than gross speed

Gross WPM counts everything you typed. Net WPM subtracts uncorrected mistakes. An employer is paying for finished, correct text — so net WPM is what matters. If your gross and net scores are far apart, accuracy is where you'll gain the most.

Setting your own target

1. Take a 3-minute typing test to get a realistic baseline.
2. Look up the role you want in the table above, or ask the employer what their test measures.
3. Set a target about 5 WPM above your baseline and practise until you hit it three times in a row.
4. Then raise it again.

Speed comes from accuracy

Most people improve fastest by slowing down slightly and eliminating errors. Once your fingers stop making mistakes, speed builds naturally. Accuracy Training is designed exactly for this.