100 WPM is elite territory - roughly the top fraction of one percent. Very few people reach it, and it usually takes years of regular typing plus deliberate practice.
What 100 WPM means
100 WPM is 500 characters per minute, or about 1.7 words every second. On a typical scale it's faster than roughly 100% of adult typists.
| Speed | Level | Faster than about |
|---|---|---|
| 20 WPM | beginner | 9% |
| 30 WPM | improving | 25% |
| 40 WPM | average | 50% |
| 50 WPM | good | 74% |
| 60 WPM | fast | 89% |
| 70 WPM | very fast | 96% |
| 80 WPM | excellent | 99% |
| 100 WPM (this test) | elite | 100% |
Jobs and uses at 100 WPM
Requirements vary by employer, but this speed commonly fits:
- Competitive typists
- Top-end transcription and captioning (often with special keyboards or steno)
How to reach 100 WPM
If you're between 80 and 100 WPM now, this is the most effective route:
- Practice the hardest text you can find: quotes, code and mixed punctuation.
- Work on consistency so there are no slow seconds in your speed graph.
- Race and compare against the leaderboard to find your gaps.
Ready for more?
Frequently asked questions
Is 100 WPM good?
100 WPM is an elite speed. The average adult types around 40 WPM.
How long does it take to reach 100 WPM?
Usually a year or more of daily typing and deliberate practice.
Does accuracy count?
Yes. Your WPM only counts correct characters, so errors bring you further from the target. Aim for at least 95% accuracy.
Can I prove my speed to an employer?
Yes. Sign in, finish a test of one minute or longer and download a certificate with a verification link.