Typing has become an essential skill in today’s digital world, with professionals, students, and even kids spending countless hours typing on keyboards. The ability to type quickly and accurately is beneficial for efficiency in school, work, and personal tasks. Whether you’re just beginning or looking to improve, a typing test can be a valuable tool to understand your current typing abilities.
Ratatype offers a free typing test, designed to measure typing speed (words per minute or WPM) and accuracy. Let’s explore what the free typing test is, how it works, and the standards for a “good” typing speed across different age groups. By the end, you’ll also know about the certification Ratatype offers, which is free and doesn’t require registration.
Free Typing Test – Typing Speed Tests – Learn Your WPM
Typing tests serve as a quick way to measure your typing skills. These tests assess two main factors:
- Speed – measured in WPM (words per minute).
- Accuracy – how many errors you make per minute.
Taking typing tests regularly can improve your speed and accuracy over time. Ratatype provides typing tests in English, which is convenient for non-native speakers or anyone looking to strengthen their English typing skills. Plus, the platform’s user-friendly layout and immediate feedback make it ideal for both beginners and advanced typists.
Ratatype’s free typing test evaluates your typing skills, showing not just your WPM but also offering improvement tips. Whether you’re curious about your typing proficiency or aiming to refine it, these tests can help you achieve higher speed and accuracy.
What is a Good Typing Speed?
Typing speed is measured in WPM, calculated by the number of words typed correctly in one minute. Generally, a typing speed of:
- 40-50 WPM is considered average and a good speed for most daily tasks.
- 60-80 WPM is above average and desirable for professional typing work, such as data entry, writing, or coding.
- 80-100 WPM and above is considered exceptional, often achieved by people who type professionally or practice regularly.
For kids and younger typists, a lower WPM might be expected, but regular practice with typing tests like those on Ratatype can lead to significant improvements.
Average Typing Speed
The average typing speed can vary depending on age, profession, and practice level. Here’s a general breakdown:
- Adults – The average typing speed for adults is around 40 WPM.
- Students – High school students might reach an average speed of 30-40 WPM with practice.
- Professionals – Those working in fields requiring frequent typing may have speeds between 70-100 WPM.
- Kids – Children may start lower but can improve their speed over time.
Typing regularly, especially with the feedback offered by tests on Ratatype, can help bring your speed to a higher level.
Typing Test Paragraph: Practice for Real-World Scenarios
One way to improve typing speed and accuracy is through typing paragraphs. Typing paragraphs not only builds speed but also teaches the rhythm of typing complete thoughts, rather than individual words. Practicing with structured typing test paragraphs on platforms like Ratatype makes it easy to apply your skills to real-world situations, such as writing essays, reports, or emails.
When you practice typing paragraphs, remember to focus on accuracy first. Typing slowly and making fewer mistakes is better than typing quickly with lots of errors. Over time, the speed will naturally improve.
Is 27 WPM Good for a 12-Year-Old?
For a 12-year-old, a speed of 27 WPM is a respectable start. Young learners are still developing their typing skills, so it’s normal to have a lower WPM. Ratatype’s typing test allows kids to improve at their own pace, with guidance to help them build confidence and speed. With regular practice, kids can comfortably reach 40 WPM by the time they reach high school, which will greatly aid them in their academic and personal work.
Is 70 WPM a Good Typing Speed?
Yes, 70 WPM is an excellent typing speed. Typing at 70 WPM means you can quickly and efficiently type large amounts of text, which is ideal for professions that require lots of writing or data entry. While 70 WPM is above average, you can continue practicing with tests on Ratatype to increase your speed if desired.
70 WPM indicates a strong command over the keyboard and is a skill that can open up job opportunities in fields such as transcription, journalism, and administration.
Is Typing at 120 WPM Fast?
Yes, 120 WPM is exceptionally fast and ranks among the highest typing speeds. Typing at this speed is rare and typically achieved by professional typists, such as stenographers, court reporters, or experienced coders.
While it’s impressive, typing at 120 WPM isn’t necessary for most people to be effective in their work or studies. However, it can certainly be an asset, saving you significant time on tasks that involve heavy typing. Practicing regularly on Ratatype can help those who want to push their limits and achieve such high speeds.
Certification by Ratatype: Get Recognized for Your Skills
One of the standout features of Ratatype is its free certification program. After completing a typing test, users can receive a certificate of their WPM and accuracy without any registration required. This certification is an excellent addition to your resume or LinkedIn profile, especially if you’re applying for jobs that value typing skills, such as administrative, clerical, or IT roles.
By regularly practicing typing tests on Ratatype, you can monitor your improvement over time. Plus, you have tangible proof of your skills to show to employers or instructors, making it a valuable asset in any typing-related field.
Tips for Improving Typing Speed
- Practice Regularly – Like any skill, typing improves with regular practice. Ratatype’s tests offer a structured way to practice daily.
- Focus on Accuracy First – Typing fast but with errors won’t help. Start slow, aiming to make fewer mistakes, then gradually increase speed.
- Use Proper Finger Placement – Correct finger positioning can greatly impact typing speed and comfort.
- Take Breaks – Typing for long periods can lead to fatigue, which can hurt accuracy. Take short breaks to stay refreshed.
- Challenge Yourself with Higher Goals – As you get comfortable, set higher WPM goals for yourself. Ratatype makes it easy to see your progress and motivates you to keep going.
What is a good typing speed?
A good typing speed is generally around 40-50 WPM for average typists. For professional typists, 70-80 WPM or higher is ideal.
How can I improve my typing speed and accuracy?
Practice regularly, focus on accuracy before speed, use proper finger positioning, and take frequent typing tests to monitor your progress.
Is 70 WPM a good typing speed?
Yes, 70 WPM is an excellent typing speed and is higher than average. This speed is ideal for many professional settings.
How fast should a 12-year-old type?
For a 12-year-old, a typing speed of around 20-30 WPM is typical, but consistent practice can improve this over time.
Can I get a typing certificate without registration?
Yes, Ratatype offers a free typing certificate without the need to register, which can be downloaded after completing a typing test.
Is 120 WPM considered a fast typing speed?
Yes, 120 WPM is exceptionally fast and ranks among the highest typing speeds, often seen in professional typists.
How often should I take a typing test to improve my speed?
Taking a typing test at least a few times a week can help you track improvements and make consistent progress in speed and accuracy.
Conclusion
Typing speed and accuracy are invaluable skills in today’s tech-driven world. With tools like Ratatype’s free typing test, anyone can improve their WPM and gain a certification that adds credibility to their typing abilities. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, Ratatype offers a supportive environment to learn, practice, and grow as a typist.
To start your journey toward faster typing, visit Ratatype today. With just a few minutes each day, you’ll see significant improvement in both speed and accuracy, enabling you to type confidently and efficiently.