Lots of remote jobs — data entry, customer support, transcription, virtual assistant work — ask for a typing speed before they'll look at your application. Take the test below to find out where you stand, then practise until you're happy with the number. It's free, there's no sign-up, and you can retake it as often as you like.
Tap the text above and start typing. The timer starts with your first keystroke.
Time's up — here's how you did
What counts as a good typing speed?
A "word" in typing tests is five characters, spaces included, so the number you see isn't quite the same as counting words on a page. Here's roughly where speeds sit:
| Speed | What it means |
|---|---|
| Under 25 WPM | Still hunting for keys — worth practising before applying for typing-heavy roles |
| 25–39 WPM | Below average, but fine for jobs where typing isn't the main task |
| 40–54 WPM | Average. Most general remote and admin roles ask for something in this range |
| 55–79 WPM | Good. Comfortable for data entry, chat support and virtual assistant work |
| 80+ WPM | Fast. Transcription and live chat roles usually want this kind of speed |
How accuracy is scored here
You can fix mistakes with backspace, but every key you press counts towards your accuracy, including the ones you corrected. That is how most employer typing tests score, so the number you see here is the number worth quoting on an application. Your words per minute is based only on the characters that end up correct.
Accuracy matters more than speed
Employers would rather have 45 WPM at 98% accuracy than 70 WPM at 85%. Fixing mistakes eats more time than typing slowly in the first place, and in roles like data entry an error can mean a wrong order or a wrong customer record. If your accuracy is under 95%, slow down a little and let the speed build on its own.
How to get faster
- Keep your fingers on the home row (ASDF and JKL;) and return to it after each reach
- Don't look at the keyboard, even when it's slower at first — looking down caps your speed permanently
- Practise in short bursts. Ten minutes a day beats an hour once a week
- Type things you'll actually be typing at work — emails, customer replies, product details
- Retake the test weekly rather than daily, so you can see real progress
Before a job application
Many employers run their own typing test as part of the hiring process, often with a time limit and no way to go back and correct mistakes. Take this test a few times until your score settles, then use the number you get most often rather than your best ever score. Be honest on applications — a test on the day will show the real figure.
Looking for roles that use these skills? Browse the community forums for job leads shared by other members, or check the Two Chicks with a Side Hustle blog for new openings.