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Handwriting Speed: Test Words Per Minute And See What's Typical By Age

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Handwriting speed is usually measured in words per minute when copying a sentence. Speeds rise steadily through school, and what matters most is writing fast enough while staying legible. Use the timer below to test a two-minute sample, then compare it with the typical ranges for that age.

On this page
  1. Test Handwriting Speed
  2. How Do You Test Handwriting Speed?
  3. What Is A Typical Handwriting Speed By Age?
  4. How Can You Improve Handwriting Speed?
  5. Does Writing Faster Make Handwriting Messier?
  6. What Is The DASH Handwriting Speed Test?
  7. Questions About Handwriting Speed

Test Handwriting Speed

Test Handwriting Speed

The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.

2:00

Results are not stored. Figures vary with the task, so treat them as a guide.

How Do You Test Handwriting Speed?

Test handwriting speed by timing a copied sentence and counting the words.

  1. Choose a familiar sentence. Short words the child already knows how to spell. See practice sentences.
  2. Copy for two minutes. Ask for their normal handwriting, not their best.
  3. Count the words. Count only words that are readable.
  4. Divide by the minutes. 24 words in 2 minutes is 12 words per minute.

Use the same sentence each time, so the results compare fairly.

What Is A Typical Handwriting Speed By Age?

Typical speeds depend on the task, so treat any figure as a range. Copying a known sentence is faster than writing your own ideas.

Age Figure Source and task
6 3.6 words per minute Chu, quoted by a paediatric OT on Teachit
7 5.6 words per minute Same source
8 7.2 words per minute Same source
9 9 words per minute Same source
10 10.4 words per minute Same source
11 12 words per minute Same source
13 13 words per minute NHS Devon writing speed advice
15 to 16 About 20 words per minute NHS Devon, GCSE level

The standardised DASH test shows how wide the range is. In a National Handwriting Association case study, two boys aged 11 years 8 months copied a sentence in their best writing at 7 and 27 words per minute. Those scores sat at the 2nd and the 98th percentile for their age. NHS Devon notes that children reach adult speeds at about 15. See handwriting in KS2.

How Can You Improve Handwriting Speed?

Build speed on secure letters, not the other way round. NHS Devon calls speed the last part of handwriting to work on, needing a lot of daily practice.

  1. Secure the joins. Joins that flow save lifting the pencil. See handwriting joins.
  2. Relax the grip. A tight grip tires the hand. See pencil grip.
  3. Keep size smaller and even. Large letters take longer.
  4. Do short timed drills. One minute, then compare with last week.
  5. Check posture. Feet flat and forearms supported. See handwriting posture.

Does Writing Faster Make Handwriting Messier?

Writing faster makes handwriting messier mainly when the letter movements are not yet automatic. The NHA case study notes that writing gets less legible when people are asked to speed up. Once formation and joins are secure, children keep writing legibly at higher speeds. The National Curriculum asks Years 5 and 6 to write "legibly, fluently and with increasing speed".

What Is The DASH Handwriting Speed Test?

DASH, the Detailed Assessment of Speed of Handwriting, is a standardised UK test published by Pearson that compares a pupil's handwriting speed with others of the same age. The second edition, DASH-2, covers ages 8 to 25 and takes about 30 minutes. It is used, for example, when considering extra time in exams. See the handwriting assessment checklist and handwriting intervention.

Questions About Handwriting Speed

Is 25 Words Per Minute Good?

For a primary child copying a sentence, 25 words per minute is fast. In the NHA case study, 27 words per minute put an 11-year-old at the 98th percentile.

Is Typing Faster Than Handwriting?

For many older pupils, yes, once they have practised. NHS Devon suggests talking to the school about other ways of recording work if handwriting is slow.

Can Adults Improve Handwriting Speed?

Yes, with the same steps: secure letters, a relaxed grip and short timed practice. See handwriting practice for adults.

More on teaching handwriting, chosen to follow on from this page.

  • Handwriting In KS2 KS2 handwriting expectations for Years 3 to 6: joins, legibility and speed, what counts at the end of Year 6, SATs myths explained, and a fluency checklist.
  • Handwriting Intervention KS2 How to run a KS2 handwriting intervention: who needs it, a 15-minute session plan, baseline and exit checks, the EEF evidence and a free 6-week planner.
  • How To Teach Handwriting How to teach handwriting well: the principles, a lesson structure, the S factors checklist and common mistakes, plus a free lesson builder for your class.
  • Modelled Handwriting What modelled handwriting is and how to model letter formation well: I do, we do, you do, facing the class, and when to use a handwriting repeater.
  • Handwriting Warm-Ups Handwriting warm-up exercises for the shoulders, hands and fingers, with a timed routine to run on your whiteboard before every handwriting lesson. Free.