Typing words per minute?
By Emiese
@Emiese (994)
Sweden
May 14, 2008 6:46am CST
I have noticed that some people put a lot into counting how fast you type, words per minute and such. I have especially noticed that it seems that in the US there are a lot of job openings for typists and secretaries etc, that requires a certain wpm speed.
In Sweden, where I live, this is not very often discussed at all. Mainly, I think this is because the cost of hiring a person i so expensive here that all companies tries its best to have as small staff as possible, why hiring someone for typing is just not economic. All jobs normally includes a bit of typing, of course, but it is the knowledge and experience in the subject you are working with that is essential.
Since I am not used to this terminology I have never measured my typing speed. I am a pretty fast typer, I know that, and I never look at the keyboard when typing, so I guess that is a plus. On the other hand I sometimes type so fast there are many errors, throwing letters around etc.
I think it would be fun to try to measure my wpm, just to see how I keep up with those ads for jobs and just in general. Does anyone know a site where one can do this? What is your wpm? You people who live in the US, how important is this wpm, is it something you always put in your resume, do you have typing classes in school to learn typing properly and fast? Let me know!
4 responses
@wayz12 (2059)
• United States
15 May 08
My typing speed is between 45-55 wpm. How do I know? Well, I took a typing test when I applied for a clerk position for the city. Most clerical positions here in the US requires some sort of typing test, plus computer literacy exams. A good grasp of the common applications like Word and Excel is usually expected.
If you really want to know how fast you can type, try searching online for sites where you can take a typing exam. Together with speed is accuracy, so even if you type fast, but makes plenty of mistakes, then that is not good. Usually, your mistakes is deducted from your speed score, and they will give you an accurate wpm score.
1 person likes this
@Emiese (994)
• Sweden
15 May 08
Thank you for your input! Taking tests for jobs, seems harsh. What if you have a bad day or a bad keyboard :) or anything. I'd be so nervous, but I guess it is nothing different than how an interview can go.
I'll have a look on the internet for typing tests. I think you are right about having the one that looks at both speed and accuracy, otherwise I guess it would be a bit misleading, cause I would be very, very fast :)
@rhane7315 (5649)
• Philippines
15 May 08
aside form mylot that helps me type faster, i also played some online games that makes your hands having some quick reflexes when it comes to typing and pressing other stuffs on your keyboard. i was like that for how many years until i became used to it. i just don't know how many words can i type within one minute lol
1 person likes this
@icequeen123 (934)
•
14 May 08
I believe I am somewhere in the region of 50-60 wpm. Here in England it really depends on the job which you are applying for. Most jobs require computer literacy, which will include knowing your way around a keyboard. But if you are apply for a job specifically as a typist, secretary or PA, then chances are you will be asked for your typing speed and/or qualification. Most places will expect at least 40-50 wpm with accuracy.
Sorry, but I do not know of anywhere where you can measure your typing speed. It did it at college when I was taking a shorthand course.
@dexterlab (458)
•
14 May 08
well i am not a good typer but my typing speed is good that what i need
i never count my typing speed but i think slowly slowly i can improve my typing speed
@Emiese (994)
• Sweden
15 May 08
Don't you find that annoying though? I am pretty fast to but have plenty of errors, and it annoys me because it takes time. Do you read it through and change the errors or do you change them straight away? My hands knows exactly where the backspace button is, and mostly I "feel" more than know that I have pressed the wrong keys, and by the time the brain picks it up my finger has already touched the backspace button!
