WPM Typing Speed Benchmarks 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the average typing speed for an untrained adult in the US?
- 10–20 WPM
- 30–40 WPM (Correct answer)
- 60–70 WPM
- 80–90 WPM
Correct answer: 30–40 WPM
Untrained adult typists in the US average around 30–40 WPM using hunt-and-peck or informal methods.
Question 2: What WPM is typically required for a court reporter or stenographer?
- 60 WPM
- 100 WPM
- 150 WPM
- 225 WPM (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 225 WPM
Court reporters using stenotype machines must typically achieve 225 WPM to pass certification.
Question 3: What is considered an expert-level typing speed on a standard keyboard?
- 60 WPM
- 80 WPM
- 100 WPM
- 120+ WPM (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 120+ WPM
Typing 120 WPM or above is generally considered expert-level performance on a standard QWERTY keyboard.
Question 4: What was the world record typing speed on a standard keyboard as of recent records?
- 150 WPM
- 180 WPM
- 212 WPM (Correct answer)
- 256 WPM
Correct answer: 212 WPM
The world record for typing speed on a standard keyboard has reached approximately 212 WPM in competitive settings.
Question 5: What WPM speed is typically required for a transcriptionist in the US?
- 30 WPM
- 55 WPM
- 75 WPM (Correct answer)
- 100 WPM
Correct answer: 75 WPM
Most transcriptionist positions in the US require at least 75 WPM to handle audio playback and typing simultaneously.
Question 6: At what WPM speed can a typist generally keep pace with normal conversational speech?
- 60 WPM
- 80 WPM
- 100 WPM (Correct answer)
- 130 WPM
Correct answer: 100 WPM
Normal conversational speech averages about 130 words per minute, requiring roughly 100 WPM to keep reasonable pace.
What is the average typing speed for an untrained adult in the US?