How to type faster
Most people can add 10 to 20 WPM in a month with about ten minutes of practice a day. The tips below are the ones that make the biggest difference, in the order to try them. Measure where you are first with the free typing test, then check again after a week.
1. Learn the home row and touch typing
Rest your fingers on A S D F and J K L ;, with your thumbs on the space bar. Every finger has its own keys, and the index fingers have a small bump on F and J so you can find the home row without looking. Typing with all ten fingers is the single biggest step, because it stops your eyes and your hands from fighting over the same job.
2. Look at the screen, not the keyboard
Looking down breaks your reading rhythm and costs a quarter of a second each time. If you cannot resist, cover your hands with a cloth for a few days. It is slow and frustrating at first, and it pays off quickly.
3. Put accuracy before speed
Fixing a mistake takes more time than typing the word carefully. Slow down until you are above 95% accuracy, then raise the speed in small steps. The test shows your accuracy next to your WPM so you can see both. A fast but sloppy score is worth less than a steady one.
4. Keep a steady rhythm
Fast typists do not hit keys faster as much as they hit them evenly. Aim for the same gap between every letter. The speed chart at the end of each test shows where your pace jumped around, and the consistency number sums it up.
5. Read ahead
Look two or three words ahead of the word you are typing. Your eyes should always be slightly in front of your fingers, the way they are when you read aloud. This is what lets you keep going through long words without stopping.
6. Sit well and relax your hands
Sit with your back supported and your feet flat. Keep your wrists level and floating, not resting hard on the desk, and your shoulders low. Tension makes you slower and tires your hands. Take a deep breath before you start a longer test such as the 5 minute typing test.
7. Find and fix your slow keys
Most people have a few keys or letter pairs that always cost them time. Notice which words make you stumble, then type those words ten times slowly, then at normal speed. A few minutes on your weak spots does more than another full test.
8. Practise a little every day
Ten focused minutes a day beat one long session a week. A simple plan: two minutes of slow, accurate warm-up; three 1 minute tests where you try to beat your last one; two minutes on your weak words; and one test at the end to see the result. Write your best score down once a week.
9. Use a keyboard you like
A keyboard does not make you faster by itself, but one that feels comfortable helps you practise more. Choose a layout and key travel you enjoy, keep it clean, and use the same keyboard for practice and for work.
How fast will you improve?
| Time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Slower than before if you change to touch typing, and that is normal |
| Weeks 2 to 3 | Back to your old speed with far fewer mistakes |
| Month 1 | 10 to 20 WPM faster for most people who practise daily |
| Months 2 to 3 | Slower, steady gains as your hands stop thinking about keys |
Compare your numbers with the average typing speed and get a free typing certificate when you reach a goal. For a bit of fun, race other people in the multiplayer rooms.
Questions
How long does it take to type faster?
Most people see a clear gain in two to four weeks of daily practice. Changing from two fingers to touch typing takes longer, usually a month or two, but the final speed is much higher.
How can I type faster without looking at the keyboard?
Learn the home row, keep your eyes on the screen, and practise slowly with accuracy first. Cover your hands for a few days if you keep peeking. Your fingers learn the positions faster than you expect.
What is a good WPM goal?
A first goal of 40 to 50 WPM with 95% accuracy covers most jobs. Reaching 65 WPM puts you in the fast group. See the average typing speed page for the full table.
Does the keyboard make a difference?
A comfortable keyboard helps you practise more and with less strain, but practice matters far more than the keyboard.
Is it better to type fast or accurately?
Accurately. A mistake costs more time to fix than careful typing takes. Raise speed only once your accuracy stays above 95%.