Handwriting Speed Test

Time yourself copying a passage with pen and paper to find your handwriting speed in words per minute.

How to use the Handwriting Speed Test

  1. Get a pen and paper and choose 1, 2 or 3 minutes.
  2. Press "Start timer" and copy the passage by hand, neatly and at your normal speed.
  3. When time is up, click the last word you finished writing to see your words per minute.

Typical handwriting speeds

Most adults write between 13 and 20 words per minute when copying text neatly, which is roughly 65 to 100 letters per minute. Writing from memory is usually a little faster than copying because you do not need to look back at the source.

Writer Words per minute
Age 8–9 about 5–8
Age 11–12 about 10–13
Secondary school student about 13–17
Adult about 13–20
Fast adult writer 25 and above

Why it matters

Handwriting speed affects how much a student can write in a timed exam. A two-hour paper at 15 words per minute allows about 1,800 words; at 20 words per minute, 2,400.

Writing faster without losing legibility

  • Hold the pen lightly; a tight grip tires the hand.
  • Use a smooth pen such as a gel or rollerball.
  • Join letters where it feels natural and keep letter sizes consistent.
  • Practise with timed copying a few minutes a day.

Frequently asked questions

What is the average handwriting speed?

Adults typically write 13 to 20 words per minute when copying. Students aged 11 to 12 average around 10 to 13.

How is handwriting speed measured?

Count the words written and divide by the time in minutes. This test does it when you click the last word you wrote.

Is typing faster than handwriting?

For most people, yes. Average typing speed is about 40 words per minute, roughly two to three times faster than handwriting.

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