How to Type Faster
Typing speed is a skill like any other. With the right habits, most people can add 10 to 20 WPM in a couple of months. Here is what works.
1. Learn the home row
Rest your left fingers on A S D F and your right fingers on J K L ;. Feel for the small bumps on F and J. Every key is a short reach from there.
2. Stop looking at the keyboard
This is the single biggest change. It will make you slower for a week or two, then much faster for life. If you can't resist, drape a cloth over your hands while you practice.
3. Accuracy first, speed second
Every mistake costs you the wrong key, a backspace and the right key. Aim for 97% accuracy. Speed follows automatically.
4. Practice a little every day
Ten to fifteen focused minutes a day beats a long session once a week. Your brain builds muscle memory during the breaks.
5. Fix your problem keys
After every test, TypingCheck shows the keys you miss most. Spend a few minutes typing words that contain them.
6. Read ahead
Fast typists look one or two words ahead of where they are typing, so their fingers never wait for their eyes.
7. Find a rhythm
Even, steady keystrokes are faster than bursts and pauses. Watch the consistency score on your results.
8. Sit well
Feet flat, screen at eye level, elbows at about 90 degrees, wrists floating above the keys rather than bent on the desk.
9. Use both Shift keys
Hold Shift with the opposite hand from the letter you are capitalizing. It removes an awkward stretch.
10. Relax your hands
Tension slows you down and tires you out. If your shoulders are creeping up, take a breath and drop them.
11. Test at different lengths
Use 30 second tests for speed bursts and 5 minute tests for stamina.
12. Track your progress
Your last 20 results are charted after every test. Seeing the line go up is the best motivation there is.
A four week plan
| Week | Focus | Daily routine |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Home row and no looking | 15 min of easy words, any speed |
| 2 | Accuracy | Three 1 minute tests at 97%+ accuracy |
| 3 | Problem keys and punctuation | Tests with Punctuation on, then drill missed keys |
| 4 | Speed and stamina | One 5 minute test and three 30 second sprints |
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to learn touch typing?
Most people learn the key positions in one to two weeks of daily practice, and get back to their old speed within about a month. After that, touch typing keeps improving while hunt-and-peck stays flat.
How can I increase my typing speed fast?
Stop looking at the keyboard, slow down until you are 97% accurate, and practice for 10 to 15 minutes every day. Focus on the keys that cause your errors.
Does a mechanical keyboard make you type faster?
Not by itself. A comfortable keyboard you are used to matters more than the switch type.