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How Does Typing Speed Compare to Handwriting Speed?

How Does Typing Speed Compare to Handwriting Speed?

· 3 min read · by Robin Érsek-Obádovics

Touch typing is 2-3x faster than handwriting for most people. That's why typing dominates modern work. But handwriting has cognitive benefits typing lacks. Here's the full comparison.

The numbers

Handwriting (English)

  • Average adult: 13-20 WPM
  • Fast handwriter: 20-30 WPM
  • Maximum sustainable: ~30 WPM
  • Limited by hand muscles

Touch typing (English)

  • Beginner: 30-40 WPM
  • Average adult: 40-50 WPM
  • Touch typist: 60-80 WPM
  • Pro: 100+ WPM
  • Limited by cognitive processing, not hands

Typing wins ~2-3x for typical users.

Why typing is faster

Less physical work

  • Handwriting: every letter drawn
  • Typing: button press

Smaller movements

  • Handwriting: 2-3 cm per letter
  • Typing: <1 cm per letter

Parallel hands

  • Typing uses both hands simultaneously
  • Handwriting uses one (dominant hand)

No motor planning per letter

  • Typing fingers know home positions
  • Handwriting requires more motor planning per letter

Why handwriting still matters

Memory encoding

  • Research suggests handwritten notes = better recall
  • Slower writing = more processing time
  • More mental rehearsal during writing

Forced summarization

  • Can't transcribe verbatim (too slow)
  • Must summarize and synthesize
  • Active processing = better learning

Drawing + diagrams

  • Math, science: equations and figures
  • Architecture, art: visual thinking
  • Handwriting integrates naturally

Personal connection

  • Letters, cards, journals
  • More personal, emotional
  • Brain associates differently

The note-taking debate

Mueller & Oppenheimer (2014) study

  • Found handwritten notes = better learning
  • Despite slower note-taking volume
  • Forces summarization
  • Often-cited study

But...

  • Recent replications mixed
  • Depends on context (recall vs application)
  • Skilled note-takers can summarize while typing

Modern conclusion

  • Handwriting for deep learning subjects
  • Typing for high-volume capture
  • Combination often best

When to use which

Use typing for

  • Reports, essays, articles
  • Email, messages, documentation
  • Long-form content creation
  • Code, technical documentation
  • Data entry, transcription

Use handwriting for

  • Personal journaling
  • Math/science notes
  • Quick visual sketches
  • Brainstorming/mind maps
  • Important letters (personal)
  • Signing documents (legal)

Use both (hybrid)

  • Lectures: typed for content, handwritten for diagrams
  • Brainstorming: paper first, type to refine
  • Studying: read typed material, summarize by hand

Speed comparison by context

Lecture note-taking

  • Handwriter: ~20 WPM, misses content
  • Typist: ~60 WPM, captures more verbatim
  • Outcome: typist captures, handwriter processes

Essay writing

  • Handwriter: ~20 WPM, slow drafts
  • Typist: ~70 WPM, more revision cycles
  • Outcome: typist iterates more

Math problem

  • Handwriter: full solution naturally
  • Typist: awkward (need LaTeX or similar)
  • Outcome: handwriting better for math

Code

  • Handwriter: impractical
  • Typist: only option
  • Outcome: typing exclusive

The future

Tablet handwriting (iPad + Apple Pencil)

  • Combines handwriting + digital
  • Searchable handwritten notes
  • Convertible to text
  • Best of both worlds

Voice + typing combo

  • Voice for first pass (fastest)
  • Typing for edit
  • Skip handwriting entirely

Handwriting decline

  • Schools teaching less cursive
  • Adults handwrite less
  • Worth maintaining basic ability

Will handwriting disappear?

Probably not entirely:

  • Signatures still legal requirement (varies)
  • Personal correspondence valued
  • Some learning contexts prefer
  • Backup skill when no devices

But its functional role declining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is typing always faster?

For most people yes. Trained calligraphers reach 30 WPM handwriting.

Will I forget how to write?

Possible with disuse. Maintain at least signature ability.

Best for memory?

Handwriting research-supported. But typing-with-active-summarization comparable.

Should kids learn cursive?

Diminishing returns. Print handwriting + typing more practical.

Best note-taking tool?

iPad + Apple Pencil for hybrid. Pure typing for speed. Pen + paper for depth.

Will tablet handwriting replace both?

Possibly long-term. Touch typing still relevant for input speed.

Master typing, maintain handwriting

Touch typing is the dominant skill. Typing Hero App — build it. Maintain handwriting for journal + signatures.

For more: Hunt-and-peck vs touch typing, Average typing speed, Touch typing for students.