How to touch type
Touch typing means typing without looking at the keys, with each finger responsible for its own keys. It is the single biggest change you can make to your typing speed, and most people can learn it in a few weeks.
The basic idea
Your fingers rest on the home row: A S D F for the left hand, J K L ; for the right hand, with the thumbs on the space bar. Every other key is reached from there, with the finger that is closest. Because each finger always handles the same keys, your hands learn the positions by feel.
Step by step
- Learn the home row. Rest your fingers on it and feel the bumps on F and J.
- Add one row at a time. The top row first, then the bottom row, then numbers.
- Keep your eyes on the screen. If you cannot resist looking, cover your hands with a cloth or a box lid.
- Go slowly. Accuracy first. Speed comes by itself after a few weeks.
- Practise daily. Ten to fifteen minutes beats an hour once a week.
What to expect
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Slower than before, especially if you used two fingers. This is normal. |
| Week 2 | The home row feels natural. You start to find the other keys. |
| Week 3 to 4 | Your speed catches up with your old speed, with far fewer glances. |
| Month 2 | You pass your old speed. Most people gain 10 to 20 WPM. |
Free lessons
The typing lessons take you through every key in 15 short steps, each with a goal. See finger placement on the keyboard for a table of which finger types which key.
Questions
How long does it take to learn touch typing?
Most people need two to four weeks of daily practice to type without looking, and a month or two to pass their old speed.
Can I learn to touch type as an adult?
Yes. Adults take a little longer to change habits, but many learn it within a month.
Why does my speed drop at first?
You are replacing an old habit. Keep going, and your speed rises above where it was.