How fast do you type
The world average is 40 words per minute. Find out if you're faster.
Start test →About the TAWK typing speed test
The TAWK typing speed test measures how fast you type in words per minute (WPM), the standard measurement for typing speed. In 60 seconds you'll type a natural-language passage at your own pace. At the end you'll see your WPM, your accuracy percentage, and how you rank against the world average of 40 WPM.
The test is designed to give an honest read on your real typing speed, not your best-case burst speed. No signup is needed to start. Your results appear immediately once the timer runs out.
What is a good typing speed?
Frequently asked questions
How is WPM calculated?
WPM stands for words per minute. The standard calculation treats every 5 characters (including spaces) as one word. If you type 200 characters in 60 seconds, that's 40 WPM. The TAWK test calculates this in real time and locks your final score when the timer ends.
How accurate is the test?
Very accurate. The test uses your actual keystrokes, counts only correctly-typed characters, and enforces a strict 60-second window. There's no gaming it — it reflects your real typing speed on an unfamiliar passage.
Can I take the test more than once?
Yes, as many times as you want. Each test uses a fresh passage so you're not typing the same thing repeatedly. Most people see a 10-20% improvement between their first and third attempt.
How do I improve my typing speed?
Practice touch typing (fingers on home row, no looking down). Focus on accuracy first, speed follows. Take regular typing tests to track progress. For heavy writing work, many people switch to voice-to-text tools which hit 130+ WPM natively, far faster than any typing speed.
Is this test free?
Yes. 100% free. No signup required to take the test. You'll only enter your email at the end if you want your personalized results, rank breakdown, and tips sent to you.
What's the world record for typing speed?
Barbara Blackburn holds the official world record at 216 WPM, maintained over a sustained period. She famously typed at speeds that matched spoken conversation. For most humans, 100+ WPM is the practical ceiling without professional training.
Why is speaking faster than typing?
Human speech averages 130-150 WPM, while the average typist hits 40 WPM. Speaking is faster because it's a more natural motor skill (we've spoken for 100,000+ years, typed for 150). This is why voice-to-text tools are becoming standard for writing-heavy work — you can capture ideas at the speed you think them.