Typing vs speaking speed test
Last updated: 2026-10-29
Type the paragraph below, then read it aloud, then read it silently. The test shows your words per minute for each, and how many times faster speaking is than typing for you. It runs entirely in your browser: no microphone, nothing sent.
I needed to send the team a short note this morning. The meeting moved to three o'clock, the report is due on Friday and everyone has to read the latest replies from the client. I write a note like this every day and it takes me a few minutes each time. If I said it instead of typing it, would I finish sooner?
1. Type
Type the paragraph below into the box as it is. The clock starts at your first key.
2. Read aloud
Read the same paragraph aloud at your normal pace. Press the button when you start and when you finish.
3. Read silently
Read the paragraph once more, silently.
It runs in your browser; it doesn't use the microphone and sends nothing. You can use the result in the typing time calculator.
What the result means
Your typing speed is the number of words you typed divided by the time from your first keystroke to pressing "I'm done". Your speaking speed is the paragraph's length divided by the time between the two button presses. Dictation software has to keep up with roughly your speaking speed, and you'll usually spend a few seconds checking the text afterwards.
For reference: a study of 168,000 volunteers found an average typing speed of 52 words per minute (Dhakal et al., CHI 2018), and a 2016 Stanford study found speech input on a phone about three times faster than typing (Stanford News). Use your own numbers in the typing time calculator.
Stop typing. Stop reading. Talk and listen.
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