How to Improve Typing Speed

Find a keyboard that feels most comfortable for you. Keyboards come in various shapes, including ergonomic models designed for comfort during typing. If your current keyboard isn’t effective, consider trying ergonomic keyboards to identify the one that suits you best.

• Pay attention to key size. Larger keys are easier to press, so look for a keyboard with frequently used keys (like letters and numbers) larger than others.
• Keyboards with concave keys that match fingertip shapes are ideal if you want to reduce typing errors while increasing speed.
• Opt for a keyboard with responsive keys that provide sufficient tactile feedback, ensuring each keystroke is registered. This feedback also prevents accidental key presses, allowing you to type faster.

Familiarize yourself with the keyboard. Most keyboards follow a standard layout, but some have unique features or arrangements. Carefully read the manual that comes with your keyboard to understand the functions of all keys and useful shortcuts. Once you grasp the key functions, visualize the keyboard layout in your mind to recall it while typing.

• Many keyboards include time-saving keys, such as shortcuts for common commands or keystrokes. Study these shortcuts to enhance your typing speed.

Position your fingers correctly. The most crucial step to improving typing speed is ensuring your fingers are placed correctly on the keyboard. Place your left index finger on the “F” key and your right index finger on the “J” key. These keys usually have raised bumps, allowing you to feel them without looking. The remaining three fingers of your left hand should rest on the “A,” “S,” and “D” keys, while the right hand’s fingers rest on the “K,” “L,” and “;” keys. Both thumbs should hover over the spacebar.

• The row with “A,” “S,” “D,” “F,” “J,” “K,” “L,” and “;” is called the “home row,” as it’s the starting and returning position for your fingers while typing.
• Keep your fingers slightly curved but relaxed when placed on the keyboard.
• Ensure the keyboard is positioned directly in front of you.

Use the correct fingers for other keys. When typing, you’ll press all keys from the starting position. This means specific fingers are responsible for certain keys to achieve optimal efficiency. In most cases, you’ll use the same fingers from the “home row” to press keys in the upper and lower rows.

• Use your left pinky for “1,” “2,” “Q,” “Z,” and “A.”
• Use your left ring finger for “3,” “W,” “X,” and “S.”
• Use your left middle finger for “4,” “E,” “C,” and “D.”
• Use your left index finger for “5,” “6,” “R,” “T,” “G,” “V,” “B,” and “F.”
• Use your right index finger for “7,” “Y,” “U,” “H,” “N,” “M,” and “J.”
• Use your right middle finger for “8,” “I,” “,” and “J.”
• Use your right ring finger for “9,” “O,” “.” and “L.”
• Use your right pinky for “0,” “-,” “=,” “P,” “[,” “],” “‘,” “/,” and “;.”
• Press the “Shift” key with the pinky of the opposite hand from the one typing another key.
• Use the thumb you find more comfortable for the spacebar.

Practice regularly. Like most skills, the only way to improve typing speed is through consistent practice. The more you practice, the more familiar you’ll become with the keyboard layout and proper finger placement. You’ll also develop muscle memory for common letter combinations, enabling faster and more accurate typing.

• One of the best practice methods is repeatedly typing sample texts. You can find many online resources offering texts to improve speed and accuracy.
• Focus on accuracy first during practice. Ensure every letter, space, and punctuation mark is correct. Once you’re accurate, work on increasing speed.
• Practice isn’t limited to online typing tests. Writing emails to family and friends or posting on online forums can also sharpen your skills and boost typing speed.

Take breaks. While practice is key to improving typing speed, taking breaks is equally important. Overexertion can lead to burnout or even injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. If you feel discomfort in your hands or wrists, stop typing and give yourself time to rest.

• To avoid overworking, schedule practice sessions with specific time blocks and include breaks. For example, you might decide to type for 30 minutes daily, taking a 10-minute break every 10 minutes.

Look at the screen. Your natural instinct might be to glance at the keyboard while typing, but this actually slows you down and increases errors. Instead, focus on the screen to practice touch typing. Although you might make more mistakes initially, you’ll quickly learn the keyboard layout and key positions, which will significantly boost your typing speed.

• To avoid looking at the keyboard, consider covering your hands with a cloth, paper, or cardboard. This prevents you from peeking at the keys.
• While you should aim to keep your eyes on the screen, occasional glances at the keyboard are acceptable to confirm key positions.

Take online typing tests. To gauge your typing proficiency, try online typing tests. These typically require you to type a passage within a set time, measuring your words per minute (wpm) and accuracy. These tools are excellent for tracking your progress as you work to improve your typing speed.

• Some free online typing tests include Typing.com, TypingMaster, and TypingWeb.

Use touch typing software and games. The fastest typing speeds come from relying on touch rather than sight. Touch typing software helps refine your skills, enabling you to type faster. These programs often include useful exercises and engaging games that make speed-building practice more enjoyable.

• While some touch typing software is paid, free options like TypingClub, TypeRacer, Klavaro Touch Typing Tutor, and Rapid Typing are also available.
• Once you’ve mastered basic touch typing, try free online typing games to further enhance your speed. Websites like FreeTypingGame.net or WordGames.com offer fun alternatives to repetitive text exercises, helping you stay motivated.

Enroll in a typing class. If self-study hasn’t yielded the desired results, consider joining a typing class. An instructor can ensure proper finger placement and posture for fast, accurate typing. High school or college students can check if their institution offers typing courses. For others, local community colleges or adult education programs may provide typing classes.

• If in-person classes aren’t available, explore online typing programs. While you won’t have direct assistance, structured guidance can still help improve your typing speed.

Ensure proper back support. When typing, it’s essential to choose a chair with adequate back support. The best chairs have a slightly curved backrest to maintain the natural curve of your spine. Chairs with lumbar support cushions are also beneficial for lower back comfort.

• While leaning back slightly can reduce back pressure, avoid slouching, as it can strain your shoulders and neck. Positioning the chair closer to the desk can help alleviate this tension.
• If your chair lacks lumbar support, consider placing a small cushion behind your lower back for added comfort.

Relax your neck and shoulders. While typing, keep your neck and shoulders relaxed. This can often be achieved by sitting back in your chair, allowing the backrest to support your upper body. Proper posture reduces strain on these areas, preventing unnecessary tension.

• If unsure whether your shoulders are relaxed, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. Your shoulders naturally relax when you exhale.

Keep your elbows close to your sides. Once seated comfortably, ensure your elbows are positioned near your body. Adjustable armrests can help maintain this position, but they’re not mandatory. Simply keep your elbows close to your sides, even without armrests.

• You don’t need armrests if you prefer not to use them. Just remember to keep your elbows tucked in for proper posture.

Place your feet flat on the floor. Sit upright with your feet firmly on the ground to support your lower body. Avoid crossing your legs or tucking one foot under, as this can disrupt proper posture. If your chair is adjustable, set the height so your feet rest comfortably on the floor.

• If your chair isn’t adjustable, consider using an ergonomic footrest to help position your feet correctly.

Keep your wrists and palms elevated from the desk. Typing becomes faster and more accurate when your wrists or palms aren’t resting on the desk or keyboard surface. Keep your hands raised without bending them upward or downward, as this can cause discomfort. Instead, maintain a neutral wrist position with your thumbs aligned with your forearms and your wrists slightly arched backward to align with the keyboard.

• Some keyboards and trays come with wrist rests, but these are only for resting between typing sessions, not during. If you need to rest, place your palms, not your wrists, on the pad.
• If your chair has adjustable armrests, set them parallel to the floor to maintain a neutral wrist position.

Ensure the keyboard is at the right height. For optimal typing efficiency, position the keyboard just above your lap, lower than most people typically place it. This allows your arms to slope downward, keeping your elbows at a 90-degree angle.

• Consider investing in an adjustable keyboard and a mouse tray that attaches to your desk or workspace. This allows you to set the keyboard at the most comfortable height.
• If a keyboard tray isn’t available, adjust your chair height to achieve a more comfortable position.