In today’s digital world, typing is just as important as writing. Kids use computers and tablets at school, at home, and even for homework. Because of this, many parents and teachers ask: What is the average typing speed for a kid? Learning to type fast and accurately helps children do better in school and get ready for future jobs. Whether your child is just learning to type or already practicing regularly, knowing the average typing speed for their age can help measure progress.
In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about typing speed for kids, especially for 11-year-olds. We’ll also talk about typing speeds for adults, such as programmers, and explain what’s considered a good speed for jobs. Plus, we’ll show you how to check your typing speed in just 60 seconds—for free!
Let’s get started.
What is Typing Speed?
Typing speed is measured in Words Per Minute (WPM). This means how many words you can type in one minute. A “word” in typing tests is usually five characters, including letters, spaces, or punctuation.
Typing tests also look at accuracy, which means how many words you typed correctly. A high typing speed is great, but typing accurately is just as important.
What is the Average Typing Speed for a Kid?
Typing speed varies depending on a child’s age and how much practice they get. Younger children usually type slower, but their speed increases with time and training. Most kids today are learning to type as early as second or third grade.
Here’s a general idea of average typing speedsby age group:
| Age | Average Typing Speed (WPM) |
|---|---|
| 6-7 years old | 5–10 WPM |
| 8–10 years old | 10–20 WPM |
| 11–13 years old | 20–40 WPM |
| 14–18 years old | 40–60+ WPM |
As you can see, an 11-year-old child usually types between 20 and 40 WPM. This is a good range, but some may type faster with more practice.
What is the Average Typing Speed for an 11-Year-Old?
Many parents want to know, what is the average typing speed for an 11-year-old? At this age, most children are in the 5th or 6th grade and have already used keyboards for schoolwork, games, and browsing the internet.
On average, an 11-year-old types around 25 to 35 WPM. Some may type as fast as 40 WPM if they’ve had typing lessons or practiced frequently. A child who is just starting may type at 15 to 20 WPM, which is completely fine.
With proper training, even a beginner can reach 40 WPM or more in just a few weeks. Practice, patience, and fun typing games can help children learn faster.
Ratatype offers an easy and fun platform for kids to practice typing. Children can take free lessons and improve their speed at their own pace. No need to sign up or register—they can start typing right away and even get a free certificate!
Why Should Kids Learn to Type Fast?
Typing is a skill that helps kids succeed in school and life. Here are some reasons why typing fast and correctly is important:
Faster homework and essays
Better performance in online tests and assignments
Improved focus and less stress
More confidence with computers
Preparation for future jobs
Typing also helps improve spelling, grammar, and writing skills. The earlier a child starts learning to type properly, the better they’ll become.
Average Typing Speed of a Programmer
Typing speed isn’t just important for kids—it’s also a useful skill for adults, especially in tech jobs like programming.
So, what’s the average typing speed of a programmer?
Most professional programmers type between 40 and 70 WPM. Some experienced coders can reach 100 WPM or more, especially if they type code regularly.
However, programmers don’t always need to type fast—they need to type correctly. Writing code requires focus, accuracy, and attention to detail. A programmer might take time to think about what they’re writing instead of typing as fast as possible.
Still, a good typing speed helps:
Write code faster
Debug issues quickly
Save time during development
Improve productivity
If you’re a beginner or aspiring coder, practicing typing can help you write better code and save time in the long run. Ratatype is a great tool for improving both speed and accuracy, for free!
Free Typing Test – Check Your Typing Speed in 60 Seconds
Wondering how fast you can type? You can take a free typing test in just 60 seconds on Ratatype. It’s simple, fast, and doesn’t require any sign-up.
Here’s how it works:
Go to Ratatype.
Click “Start Typing Test.”
Type the text shown on the screen.
After 60 seconds, you’ll see your WPM and accuracy score.
You’ll also receive a free typing certificate when you complete the test, without needing to register!
This test is perfect for:
Kids who want to see how fast they type
Students preparing for schoolwork
Adults applying for typing-based jobs
Programmers looking to improve their speed
You can retake the test anytime to try and beat your score!
What is a Good Typing Speed for Jobs?
When applying for jobs, many employers check your typing speed. But what’s considered a good typing speed for a job?
Here are some average typing speed expectations for different jobs:
| Job Type | Good Typing Speed (WPM) |
|---|---|
| Data Entry Clerk | 50–70 WPM |
| Customer Service | 40–60 WPM |
| Virtual Assistant | 50–80 WPM |
| Administrative Assistant | 45–65 WPM |
| Transcriptionist | 60–100+ WPM |
| Programmer/Developer | 40–80 WPM |
In general, a good typing speed for most jobs is 50 to 60 WPM or higher. However, accuracy matters just as much. Employers prefer candidates who type both quickly and correctly.
If you’re applying for a job, you can take the Ratatype typing test and get a free typing certificate to show your skills. It’s a simple way to stand out in your job application—no registration required.
10 Finger Typing vs. Hunt-and-Peck
Many kids and adults still use the “hunt-and-peck” method—looking for each key before pressing it. This method is slow and often leads to mistakes.
10-finger typing is a much better way. It teaches you to use all ten fingers without looking at the keyboard. This method is:
Faster
More accurate
Better for long-term typing skills
Kids who learn 10-finger typing early can easily reach 40 WPM or more within a few months. Ratatype teaches 10-finger typing with free lessons and colorful exercises that make learning fun for kids and adults alike.
Tips to Improve Typing Speed for Kids and Adults
Whether you’re a parent helping your child, a student, or an adult looking to improve, here are some easy tips to boost typing speed:
Practice every day – Just 10–15 minutes daily helps a lot.
Use typing games – Fun games make learning more exciting for kids.
Try typing lessons – Follow a structured lesson plan.
Focus on accuracy first – Speed comes with time.
Use proper finger placement – Learn the home row keys.
Sit comfortably – Use the right posture for better results.
The more you practice, the faster and more accurately you’ll type.
Why Choose Ratatype?
Ratatype is one of the best free typing platforms available online. Whether you’re a beginner or want to improve your speed, Ratatype offers everything you need:
✅ Free typing lessons
✅ Free 60-second typing test
✅ No sign-up required
✅ Typing certificate after the test
✅ Colorful, fun design for kids
✅ Teaches 10-finger typing
✅ Suitable for kids and adults
You can use Ratatype on any device—computer, tablet, or even a phone.
Start practicing today and see how fast you can type!
Final Thoughts
Typing is no longer just a skill—it’s a necessity. From schoolwork to office jobs, typing well can save time and make tasks easier. For kids, especially those aged 11 and up, learning to type early leads to better success in school and future careers.
We learned that:
The average typing speed for an 11-year-old is 25–35 WPM.
The average typing speed of a programmer is 40–70 WPM.
A good typing speed for jobs is around 50–60 WPM or more.
You can check your typing speed in 60 seconds for free.
Ratatype offers free lessons and certificates without registration.
Now that you know what a good typing speed is, it’s time to start practicing. Whether you’re a child or an adult, building typing skills will help you in school, work, and life.
