Typing is one of those skills almost everyone assumes they’ve mastered, right up until they’re asked to take a typing test. Suddenly, what felt like fluent keyboarding turns into a sea of typos and surprisingly low words-per-minute scores.
The reality is that the average typing speed for adults is about 40 WPM, which is fine for casual use. But if you work in customer support, live chat, data entry, or any typing-heavy profession, that speed often just isn’t enough. Live chat agents, in particular, are expected to respond quickly and handle multiple conversations at once. That means typing 60–90 WPM with minimal errors, all while maintaining a helpful tone and accurate responses.
There’s a gap between perceived typing skill and actual performance. Many people never check their real WPM until speed becomes a bottleneck. That’s why typing speed tests are more than just a fun distraction. They’re essential tools for evaluating, improving, and even qualifying for typing-intensive roles.
In this article, you’ll learn:
- Why typing speed tests matter more than ever in 2025, especially for customer support, remote work, and productivity-driven roles.
- What gives touch typing such an edge in live chat, and why is it still the gold standard for speed and accuracy?
- How the advanced typists in the world reach 200+ WPM, and what tools they use to train.
- Proven tips, drills, and the best typing tests to help you measure and level up your WPM.
Looking for the most accurate, user-friendly, and up-to-date typing speed tests?
We’ve reviewed the top tools for 2025, including test platforms for beginners, pros, and live chat agents alike.
Let's go!
Connect with customers
LiveChat® is a complete customer service platform that delights your customers and fuels your sales.
Trusted by 36,000+ companies
What is the best typing speed?
Typing speed is measured in words per minute (WPM), but what’s considered “good” varies widely depending on your role, industry, and daily workload. For an adult, an average typing speed of around 40 WPM is common, sufficient for occasional emails, light documentation, or casual use.
But in the workplace, especially in customer-facing or admin-heavy positions, expectations are significantly higher.
- Customer service and live chat agents require real-time typing under pressure. A speed of 50 to 70 WPM is generally expected to keep up with chat volume, maintain flow, and reduce customer wait time. Many top-performing agents aim for 80+ WPM.
- For administrative staff, HR reps, and general office workers, a typing speed of 60 WPM is considered efficient and professional. This allows for rapid data entry, note-taking, and timely email communication.
- Executive assistants are a different story. Due to the fast-paced, multitasking nature of this role, good typing speeds range from 70 to 100 WPM. Speed and accuracy are critical when drafting correspondence, logging meetings, or transcribing notes on the fly.
- Data entry clerks and transcriptionists are some of the most typing-intensive roles. The standard here is 80 to 120 WPM, often with accuracy requirements above 95%. Professionals in this category may also be tested under time pressure during hiring processes.
- Software developers and technical roles also require fast typing. While coding is more about logic than typing speed, typing proficiency still impacts productivity. The average typing speed for developers ranges from 50 to 70 words per minute (WPM), enough to write and edit code efficiently while minimizing typos.
- Elite typists generally exceed 100 WPM and practice extensive typing. This level of speed is uncommon in the general workforce and reflects both excellent technique and extensive practice. Many professional typists or keyboard enthusiasts fall into this category.
Hitting the average speed standard for your role can make a noticeable difference in efficiency and perceived professionalism. Typing WPM tests are a great way to assess your current level and identify realistic goals.
Why typing skills are critical in customer service
If you work in live chat or support, typing is your primary tool. Every word you type moves the conversation forward, solves a problem, or builds trust with a customer. The faster and more accurately you type, the smoother everything runs.
It’s not just about speed for the sake of speed. Faster typists are better at handling high chat volumes, closing tickets more efficiently, and responding in real time without letting the conversation go cold. A comprehensive Typing.com study found that high earners in the $100K+ bracket devote roughly 87% of their workweek to typing tasks, and that number jumps even higher in customer-facing roles.
Typing quickly also reduces mental fatigue. When all ten fingers can keep up with your thoughts, you avoid the lag that comes from switching between tools, windows, or backspacing through errors. That means more focus on the customer and less time correcting typos or losing your place mid-conversation.
And yes, good typing speed can impact your paycheck. Employers in typing-heavy roles (like support, admin, and tech ops) often favor candidates with high WPM scores, sometimes even listing minimum typing speeds in job descriptions. Typing efficiently shows up in real performance metrics like response times and customer satisfaction scores, which often influence promotions and raises.
We’ve seen this in action. One LiveChat customer, Luxury Estates International, used faster, real-time chat communication to increase customer conversions by nearly 30%. They improved service and turned typing speed into a direct business advantage by equipping their team to respond instantly during high-intent moments.
Their success shows how something as fundamental as faster, clearer typing can drive measurable results, especially when every conversation counts. It’s not just about what you say; it’s how quickly and confidently you can say it.
And here’s one more stat to keep in mind: 63.3% of jobs in the U.S. require traditional typing skills, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. It’s not just a soft skill; it’s a core competency.
Typing techniques for speed and accuracy
How you type matters more than most people realize. If you’re spending your day in live chats or support tickets, the right technique can help you move faster, make fewer mistakes, and stay sharp from your first message to your last.
While some people type instinctively without thinking about form, most fall into one of three main styles: touch typing and hunt-and-peck, or a hybrid of the two.
Touch typing
Touch typing is widely considered the most effective method. It involves using all your fingers and relying on muscle memory, not visual cues. By keeping your eyes on the screen and your fingers on the keyboard’s home row (ASDF for the left hand, JKL for the right), you build consistency, reduce mistakes, and increase typing speed over time. Experienced touch typists regularly reach 60–100+ WPM with high accuracy, and that’s a significant advantage in live chat workflows.
Hunt-and-peck typing
If you type with just a few fingers while scanning the keyboard for each letter, you’re using the hunt-and-peck method. This technique is common among beginners or self-taught users and typically results in an average typing speed of just 20 to 30 words per minute (WPM). It’s mentally tiring, prone to frequent errors, and too slow for fast-moving environments. In real-time communication, especially in customer support roles where typing speed and accuracy are crucial, hunt-and-peck simply can’t keep up.
Hybrid typing
Many professionals use a “hybrid” approach without realizing it; some fingers rest on the home row, while others roam. It’s not as efficient as true touch typing, but it can still deliver decent speeds if done consistently. Some hybrid typists even break 60 WPM, though their accuracy and posture may suffer in longer sessions.
Learning to position your fingers minimizes unnecessary hand movement, which leads to fewer errors and greater comfort, especially during long shifts. Each finger has its own set of keys to cover. Sticking to this structure helps your hands stay balanced and reduces strain. More importantly, it improves accuracy and makes it easier to hit high WPM without sacrificing control.
Fun fact: thumb typing on mobile devices averages around 36 WPM, which is surprisingly close to beginner desktop speeds, though it’s far less ergonomic for long-form tasks.
How to improve your typing speed (even if you’re not a beginner)
Already comfortable with a keyboard but still want to get faster?
Good news: good typing speed isn’t capped by talent. It’s built through smarter practice. No matter where you are in your typing journey, whether you're hovering around 50 WPM or aiming to break 100, refining your technique and training habits can make a noticeable difference.
1. Focus on accuracy first
It might sound backward, but typing speed comes from control. When you prioritize hitting the right keys consistently, your brain builds confidence and rhythm. Over time, this reduces hesitation and leads to faster, more fluid typing. Think of accuracy as your foundation; without it, speed leads to mistakes.
2. Type without looking
Even if you know where the keys are, glancing down breaks your flow. Training yourself to type “blind” forces your fingers to rely on muscle memory, which is key to reaching high speeds. Use typing practice tests that block or blur the keyboard to reinforce this skill.
3. Practice with purpose (not just repetition)
Typing the same easy words over and over won’t get you very far. Use platforms like Monkeytype or Keybr that generate random, real-world words to push your accuracy and reaction time. For best results, practice 20 minutes a day with challenging, unfamiliar material.
4. Track progress over time
Improvement is easier to stay committed to when you can see it. Regularly take typing tests and track your average WPM and accuracy trends. Spotting even a small bump, like jumping from 68 to 74 WPM, can keep motivation high. Progress might feel slow day to day, but consistent tracking helps you see how far you’ve come.
5. Don’t chase high speed too early
Trying to hit 100 WPM before you can comfortably type at 70 with 98% accuracy will only reinforce bad habits. Build gradually, and let typing speed come naturally as your precision improves. Rushing the process often leads to sloppy technique, increased typos, and mental fatigue. Focus on consistency first; speed is a byproduct of accuracy and control over time.
Best typing speed tests for 2025
With so many typing skills assessments out there, it can be tough to know which one actually fits your goals and work style. Whether you’re a beginner or a customer service pro looking to shave seconds off each reply, the right test can make a big difference.
The table below breaks down the top typing tests for 2025, comparing features, WPM accuracy, pros, and drawbacks, so you can find the best fit for your daily workflow, training goals, or even just a quick performance check.
| Tool | Key features | WPM accuracy | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LiveChat | Real-time results, shareable | High | Clean UI, no login, agent-ready | No long-term progress tracking |
| Monkeytype | Custom quotes, themes, stats | Very High | Deep stats, fun UI | May overwhelm new users |
| Keybr | AI-generated drills | Good | Great for beginners | Repetitive after a while |
| Typing.com | Lessons + tests | Medium | Great for schools | Less suited for pros |
| 10FastFingers | Leaderboard-based challenges | Medium | Quick to use | UI cluttered, basic feedback |
| NitroType | Gamified racing | Medium | Fun and social | More entertainment than serious |
| Ratatype | Certification, class management | High | Good for structured learning | Less engaging interface |
| TypeTest.io | Minimalist, clean UI | High | Great UX, distraction-free | No gamification or stats |
| TypingClub | Lesson-based progression | High | Ideal for consistent practice | Slight learning curve |
| ZType | Typing + shooting game combo | Low | Fun alternative practice | Not ideal for measurement |
| Key Hero | Real-time graphing | Medium | See typing rhythm visually | The interface feels dated |
How does faster typing speed affect your job?
When you type quickly and accurately, you can juggle more conversations at once without feeling overwhelmed. That means higher chat volume, better response times, and a smoother workflow overall, especially important when customers are lining up during peak hours.
It also helps with mental energy. When you don’t have to constantly backtrack to fix typos or reread messages, your brain can stay focused. Less cognitive friction means more time for problem-solving and actually helping customers.
Typing speed even impacts how you come across to customers. Fluent, error-free responses build trust. They make you sound calm, professional, and capable, even when things get hectic. And when you’re not second-guessing your keystrokes, you can focus more on tone, empathy, and helpfulness.
From a career perspective, it adds up. Roles that rely heavily on communication, like customer service, sales, and operations, often pay more when you can move fast and keep up with volume. Typing may not be listed as a superpower, but in many roles, it absolutely is one.
Choosing the right typing test for you
Not all typing proficiency tests are created equal, and the best one for you depends on where you are in your typing journey (and what motivates you to stick with it).
Here's how to pick a test that actually helps you improve:
If you’re just starting out...
Structured learning platforms like TypingClub and Typing.com are great for beginners. They walk you through lessons step by step, reinforce home row habits, and help you build muscle memory before worrying about typing speed. These are especially helpful if you’ve never formally learned touch typing.
If you’re already decent but want to get faster...
Once you’re typing comfortably at 40–60 WPM, it’s time to level up with more dynamic tools. Monkeytype offers custom tests, accuracy tracking, and real-world typing prompts that help you push your limits. Ratatype also offers detailed feedback and certification, which can be great for goal setting or job applications.
If you work in live chat or support...
You need a test that mimics the pace and tone of real customer conversations. The LiveChat Typing Speed Test is designed with support agents in mind. It's fast, clean, and without fluff, and it's a great way to benchmark how your typing holds up in real-world conditions.
If you need to stay motivated...
Typing practice doesn’t have to be dry. Gamified platforms like NitroType (racing) or ZType (space shooting + words) make it easy to keep coming back for more. They’re not ideal for accuracy training, but they’re great for staying consistent, especially if you’re practicing daily.
The bottom line? Choose the test that fits your pace, purpose, and personality. And switch it up now and then, keeping practice fresh helps you stay sharp.
Type faster and worry less
When you type faster, your entire workflow accelerates. Tasks that used to take an hour, like responding to a full inbox, managing multiple chats, or updating internal systems, start taking 40 minutes or less.
The average speed for working professionals is around 40 to 60 WPM, but increasing that by even 10 or 15 words per minute can have a noticeable impact on your day. Better typing skills also reduce decision fatigue. You spend less time thinking about how to phrase something and more time delivering actual solutions. Fewer corrections, less friction, better flow.
If you're serious about working smarter, not just harder, improving your typing speed is one of the most low-effort, high-impact ways to get there. And it all starts with knowing where you stand.
