Typing speed is a crucial skill in today’s digital world. Whether you’re a student, office worker, programmer, or content creator, typing quickly and accurately can save time and boost productivity. But how do you know if your typing speed is exceptional? What does it mean to be in the 99th percentile? And is 98% accuracy considered good?
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What the 99th percentile means for typing speed
✅ Is 98% accuracy good enough?
✅ Average typing speeds (WPM) for different professions
✅ How to improve your typing speed and accuracy
✅ How to get a free typing certificate from Ratatype
Let’s dive in!
What Does the 99th Percentile Mean in Typing Speed?
The 99th percentile means you type faster than 99% of people who take typing tests. Only 1% of typists are faster than you.
How Fast Is the 99th Percentile?
Most people type between 40-60 WPM (words per minute). Here’s how typing speeds break down:
| Typing Level | WPM Range | Percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 20-30 WPM | Below average |
| Average | 40-60 WPM | 50th percentile |
| Fast | 70-80 WPM | 90th percentile |
| Professional | 90-120 WPM | 95th-99th percentile |
| Elite (Top 1%) | 100+ WPM | 99th percentile |
60-70 WPM = Faster than ~75% of people
80-90 WPM = Faster than ~90% of people
100+ WPM = Top 1% (99th percentile)
Who Types This Fast?
People in the 99th percentile usually include:
✔ Professional typists (court reporters, transcriptionists)
✔ Programmers & coders (fast keyboard use)
✔ Gamers & esports players (quick reflexes)
✔ Data entry specialists (high-speed typing jobs)
How to Check If You’re in the 99th Percentile
The best way to know your typing speed is by taking a reliable typing test. Ratatype offers free, instant tests that measure:
🔹 Your WPM (words per minute)
🔹 Accuracy (%)
🔹 How you compare to others
If you consistently score 100+ WPM with high accuracy, you’re likely in the top 1% of typists!
Is 98% Accuracy Good in Typing?
Typing fast is great, but accuracy matters just as much. A high WPM with many mistakes isn’t useful in real-world tasks.
What Is Considered Good Typing Accuracy?
| Accuracy Level | Mistakes per 100 Words | Is It Good? |
|---|---|---|
| 90-95% | 5-10 Mistakes | Needs Improvement |
| 96-98% | 2-4 Mistakes | Good (acceptable for most jobs) |
| 99-100% | 0-1 mistake | Excellent (ideal for professionals) |
98% accuracy means you make only 2 mistakes every 100 words—which is very good for most jobs. However, some fields (like medical or legal transcription) require 99%+ accuracy.
How to Improve Typing Accuracy
Practice daily – Use free typing tests on Ratatype.
Slow down if needed – Speed comes naturally with accuracy.
Use proper finger placement – Touch typing reduces errors.
Take accuracy-focused tests – Some tests penalize mistakes more.
Average Typing Speed & Words Per Minute (WPM) Explained
What Is the Average Typing Speed?
Most adults type 40-60 WPM, but speeds vary by profession:
| Profession | Average WPM |
|---|---|
| Students | 30-50 WPM |
| Office workers | 50-70 WPM |
| Programmers | 60-80 WPM |
| Transcriptionists | 80-100+ WPM |
| Elite typists (99th percentile) | 100+ WPM |
What Affects Typing Speed?
🔹 Keyboard type (mechanical vs. membrane)
🔹 Typing technique (touch typing vs. hunt-and-peck)
🔹 Practice frequency (daily practice improves speed)
🔹 Age & experience (younger people often type faster)
How to Increase Your Typing Speed
Take regular typing tests (Ratatype offers free tests).
Learn touch typing (typing without looking at the keyboard).
Use typing games (makes practice fun).
Set small goals (e.g., increase speed by 5 WPM each week).
How to Get a Free Typing Certificate (No Registration Needed!)
Did you know Ratatype offers free typing certificates without requiring sign-up?
Why Get a Typing Certificate?
✔ Add it to your resume (shows employers your skills)
✔ Track your progress (see how you improve over time)
✔ Boost confidence (prove you type fast & accurately)
How to Get Your Free Certificate
Visit Ratatype
Take a typing test (1-2 minutes)
Download your certificate instantly (no email needed)
It’s 100% free—no hidden fees or registrations!
A good typing speed is typically 40-60 WPM (words per minute), which is the average for most adults. However, for jobs requiring extensive typing (e.g., data entry, transcription, programming), 70+ WPM is preferred. Elite typists in the 99th percentile type 100+ WPM.
Yes, 98% accuracy is very good—it means you make only 2 mistakes per 100 words. For most jobs, this is acceptable, but professions like medical transcription or legal documentation may require 99%+ accuracy.
To type faster:
✔ Practice daily (use free tests like Ratatype)
✔ Learn touch typing (type without looking)
✔ Use proper finger placement (home row technique)
✔ Take speed drills (try typing games for fun practice)
Most 13-year-olds type between 25-45 WPM, depending on experience. With regular practice, teens can reach 50-70 WPM—some even hit 80+ WPM with training.
You can get a free typing certificate instantly from Ratatype without registration. Just:
Take a typing test (1-2 minutes)
Check your WPM & Accuracy
Download your certificate (no email required)
Final Thoughts: How Fast Should You Type?
40-60 WPM = Average (good for most people)
70-90 WPM = Fast (better for jobs requiring typing)
100+ WPM = Elite (99th percentile)
98% accuracy = Very good (only 2 mistakes per 100 words)
Want to Test Your Speed?
Take a free typing test on Ratatype today and see where you rank! 🚀
Summary of Key Points
✅ 99th percentile = 100+ WPM (top 1% of typists)
✅ 98% accuracy is good (but 99%+ is ideal for professionals)
✅ Most people type 40-60 WPM (70+ WPM is fast)
✅ Ratatype offers free certificates (no registration needed)
Now that you know where you stand—how fast can you type? 🎯
