Finger placement on the keyboard
Put your fingers on the home row (A S D F and J K L ;). From there, every finger has its own keys to reach for, and your thumbs take the space bar.
Which finger types which key
| Finger | Keys |
|---|---|
| Left little finger | ` 1 Q A Z, Tab, Caps Lock, left Shift |
| Left ring finger | 2 W S X |
| Left middle finger | 3 E D C |
| Left index finger | 4 5 R T F G V B |
| Thumbs | Space bar |
| Right index finger | 6 7 Y U H J N M |
| Right middle finger | 8 I K , |
| Right ring finger | 9 O L . |
| Right little finger | 0 - = P [ ] ; ' / Enter, Backspace, right Shift |
Find the home row without looking
Most keyboards have a small raised bump on F and on J. Put your index fingers on those bumps, and the other fingers fall into place on the keys beside them. After each key, the finger returns to its home key.
Posture
- Sit upright, feet flat on the floor.
- Keep your elbows near your sides, bent at about a right angle.
- Hold your wrists level with the keyboard, not resting hard on the desk and not bent up or down.
- Place the screen at eye level, about an arm's length away.
See how to avoid hand strain for more.
Learn it key by key
The typing lessons introduce the keys in small groups, with a picture of the keyboard that shows which finger types each key.
Questions
Which finger types the space bar?
Either thumb. Most people use the thumb of their stronger hand.
Which finger types B?
The left index finger, with a sideways reach.
Which finger types Y?
The right index finger, with a sideways reach from J.
Do I have to use all ten fingers?
You do not have to, but all ten fingers is what allows you to type fast without looking.