10 Proven Tips to Increase Your Typing Speed in 2026
Whether you're a student, professional, or just someone who spends a lot of time on a computer, improving your typing speed can significantly boost your productivity. Here are 10 proven tips that will help you type faster and more accurately.
1. Master the Home Row Position
The foundation of fast typing starts with proper finger placement. Your fingers should rest on the home row keys: A, S, D, F for your left hand and J, K, L, ; for your right hand. The small bumps on the F and J keys help you find this position without looking.
2. Don't Look at the Keyboard
This might seem difficult at first, but keeping your eyes on the screen is crucial for developing speed. Looking at the keyboard breaks your flow and slows you down. Trust your muscle memory – it will develop with practice.
3. Use All Ten Fingers
Each finger has specific keys it's responsible for. Using all ten fingers distributes the work evenly and reduces the distance each finger needs to travel. This is the core principle of touch typing.
4. Practice Regularly with Typing Tests
Consistent practice is key to improvement. Take typing tests daily on OpenTyper to track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Even 15-20 minutes of focused practice each day can lead to significant gains.
5. Focus on Accuracy First, Then Speed
It's tempting to try to type as fast as possible, but accuracy should come first. Mistakes slow you down because you have to go back and correct them. Once you're consistently accurate, speed will naturally follow.
6. Learn Common Keyboard Shortcuts
Keyboard shortcuts like Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V, and Ctrl+Z can save you significant time. The less you need to reach for the mouse, the more efficient your workflow becomes.
7. Maintain Proper Posture
Good posture isn't just about comfort – it directly affects your typing speed. Sit up straight, keep your feet flat on the floor, and position your keyboard at elbow height. Your wrists should float above the keyboard, not rest on the desk.
8. Take Regular Breaks
Fatigue leads to mistakes and slower typing. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps prevent eye strain and keeps you fresh.
9. Use Online Typing Lessons
Structured lessons can help you systematically improve. Our typing lessons are designed to progressively build your skills, from basic home row exercises to advanced speed drills.
10. Set Goals and Track Progress
Setting specific, measurable goals keeps you motivated. Aim to increase your WPM by 5-10 words each week. Use our typing test to benchmark your progress and celebrate your improvements.
Conclusion
Improving your typing speed is a journey that requires patience and consistent practice. By following these tips and practicing regularly on OpenTyper, you'll see steady improvement in both your speed and accuracy. Start your typing test now and see where you stand!
