Whether you're a student, professional, or just someone who spends a lot of time on the computer, faster typing means less time staring at your keyboard. Most people hover around 40 WPM, but there's no reason you can't hit 60, 70, or even 80+ with some focused practice.
Here's what actually works.
1. Master Proper Finger Placement
The foundation of fast typing is proper finger placement on the home row. Your fingers should rest on these keys:
- Left hand: A (pinky), S (ring), D (middle), F (index)
- Right hand: J (index), K (middle), L (ring), ; (pinky)
- Thumbs: Rest on the spacebar
The small bumps on F and J keys help you find the home position without looking. Always return your fingers to these positions after pressing any other key.
2. Stop Looking at the Keyboard
Seriously, stop looking down. Every time your eyes leave the screen, you're slowing yourself down. Your brain has to see the key, figure out where it is, then tell your fingers what to do. That's way too many steps.
3. Focus on Accuracy First
Speed is meaningless without accuracy. Going back to fix errors takes more time than typing correctly the first time. Aim for 95% accuracy or higher before trying to increase speed.
Here's why accuracy matters:
- Each error requires 2+ keystrokes to fix (backspace + correct key)
- Errors break your rhythm and flow
- Muscle memory learns mistakes if you repeatedly type incorrectly
4. Practice Consistently
Short, daily practice sessions are more effective than long, occasional ones. Aim for:
- Beginners: 15-20 minutes daily
- Intermediate: 20-30 minutes daily
- Advanced: 15 minutes daily for maintenance
Consistency builds muscle memory. Your fingers will learn to move automatically to the right keys without conscious thought.
5. Use Proper Posture
Good posture prevents fatigue and allows for optimal finger movement:
- Sit up straight with feet flat on the floor
- Keep elbows at a 90-degree angle
- Wrists should be level with or slightly above the keyboard
- Screen should be at eye level
- Keep shoulders relaxed, not hunched
6. Learn Common Letter Patterns
Many English words contain common letter combinations. Once you can type these patterns quickly, your overall speed increases:
- Common endings: -ing, -tion, -ed, -ly
- Common words: the, and, that, have, for
- Double letters: ll, ss, ee, oo
7. Use All Your Fingers
Many self-taught typists only use a few fingers. This limits speed because some fingers must travel long distances. Touch typing assigns specific keys to each finger, minimizing movement.
8. Take Regular Breaks
Fatigue leads to errors and can cause repetitive strain injuries. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Stretch your hands and wrists periodically.
9. Track Your Progress
What gets measured gets improved. Take regular typing tests to track your WPM and accuracy. Celebrate improvements and identify areas needing work.
10. Make It Fun
Typing practice doesn't have to be boring. Try:
- Typing games that make practice enjoyable
- Transcribing song lyrics or favorite quotes
- Setting personal challenges and goals
- Competing with friends or colleagues
Conclusion
Improving your typing speed is a journey, not a destination. With consistent practice and proper technique, you can see significant improvements within weeks. Remember: accuracy first, speed second, and always use proper form.
Start with our lessons if you're new to touch typing, or take a typing test to benchmark your current speed. Either way, the best time to start improving is now!