How to Type Faster
Master proven techniques that will dramatically improve your typing speed. From beginner fundamentals to advanced speed-building strategies.
Whether you're a student, professional, or someone who spends significant time on a computer, improving your typing speed can save hours every week and boost your productivity significantly. The average person types at about 40 WPM (words per minute), but with the right techniques and consistent practice, you can easily reach 60-80 WPM or beyond.
This comprehensive guide will teach you everything you need to know about typing faster, from fundamental techniques to advanced strategies used by professional typists who exceed 100 WPM.
Understanding Typing Speed
What is WPM and How Is It Measured?
WPM (Words Per Minute) is the standard metric for measuring typing speed. One "word" is standardized as 5 characters (including spaces) to account for varying word lengths.
WPM = (Characters Typed ÷ 5) ÷ Time in Minutes
Example: 350 characters in 1 minute = 70 WPM
Typing Speed Benchmarks
| Level | WPM | Description | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 20-30 | Still looking at keyboard | Learning basics |
| Below Average | 30-40 | Hunt-and-peck typist | Casual use |
| Average | 40-50 | Functional typing | General office work |
| Above Average | 50-60 | Competent touch typist | Professional standard |
| Proficient | 60-80 | Skilled typist | Writer, programmer |
| Advanced | 80-100 | High-speed professional | Data entry specialist |
| Expert | 100+ | Competition-level | Transcriptionist |
💡 Reality Check: Most people can realistically reach 60-80 WPM with proper training. This is fast enough for virtually any job and puts you well above average.
Proper Finger Positioning
The foundation of fast typing is correct finger placement. Without it, you'll hit a speed ceiling that's difficult to break through.
The Home Row Position
Your fingers should rest on the "home row" - the middle row of letters. This is your starting position for all typing.
Finger Assignments
Left Hand
- Pinky: Q, A, Z, 1
- Ring: W, S, X, 2
- Middle: E, D, C, 3
- Index: R, T, F, G, V, B, 4, 5
Right Hand
- Index: Y, U, H, J, N, M, 6, 7
- Middle: I, K, comma, 8
- Ring: O, L, period, 9
- Pinky: P, ;, /, 0, -, =
🔑 Pro Tip: The F and J keys have small raised bumps (tactile markers). Use these to find home position without looking!
Master Touch Typing
Touch typing means typing without looking at the keyboard. It's the single most important skill for typing faster because it eliminates the time spent looking down and back up at the screen.
Why Touch Typing is Essential
Faster Speed
No time wasted looking at keyboard
Better Accuracy
Consistent finger positioning
Less Fatigue
No neck strain from looking down
Catch Errors Instantly
Eyes stay on screen to spot mistakes
Think While Typing
Frees mental capacity for content
Professional Skill
Expected in modern workplaces
How to Learn Touch Typing
-
1
Cover or ignore the keyboard
Use a keyboard cover, blank keycaps, or simply resist the urge to look
-
2
Start with home row only
Master ASDF JKL; before adding other keys
-
3
Add keys gradually
Top row, then bottom row, then numbers and symbols
-
4
Accept temporary slowdown
Your speed will drop initially, but will quickly surpass your old speed
Focus on Accuracy First
The #1 Rule: Accuracy Before Speed
This is the most important principle in typing improvement. Here's why:
- Muscle memory locks patterns: If you practice making errors, you train your brain to make those same errors
- Corrections cost time: Fixing a mistake takes 2-3x longer than getting it right initially
- Speed follows naturally: Once your brain knows the correct patterns, speed increases automatically
Target Accuracy Levels
When you consistently hit 97%+ accuracy, you can start pushing for more speed.
Effective Practice Techniques
Daily Practice Schedule
Consistency beats intensity. Here's an optimal daily routine:
- Warm-up typing5 minutes
- Focused lesson practice15 minutes
- Typing test5 minutes
- Total25 minutes
Deliberate Practice Methods
Slow Typing Drills
Type at 50% speed focusing on perfect accuracy
Problem Key Focus
Identify weak keys and practice them specifically
Burst Typing
Short 15-second sprints at maximum speed
Real-World Practice
Type emails, notes, and documents mindfully
Keyboard and Ergonomics
Proper Typing Posture
Eyes
Screen at arm's length, top of screen at eye level
Chair
Feet flat on floor, thighs parallel to ground
Wrists
Neutral position, not bent up or down
Elbows
90-degree angle, close to body
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Looking at the keyboard
Prevents muscle memory development. Cover your keyboard if needed.
Fix: Use a keyboard cover or blank keycaps
Prioritizing speed over accuracy
Creates bad habits that are difficult to break.
Fix: Slow down until you reach 95%+ accuracy
Inconsistent finger placement
Using wrong fingers for keys limits speed potential.
Fix: Always return fingers to home row
Skipping fundamentals
Jumping to advanced content without mastering basics.
Fix: Complete structured lessons in order
Irregular practice
Once-weekly marathons are less effective than daily sessions.
Fix: Practice 20-30 minutes daily
30-Day Speed Improvement Plan
Week 1: Foundation
Master home row keys (ASDF JKL;). Take baseline test. Practice 20 min/day.
Week 2: Expansion
Add top row keys. Focus on accuracy over speed. Complete lessons 1-8.
Week 3: Integration
Add bottom row and numbers. Practice common words. Complete lessons 9-15.
Week 4: Speed Building
Focus on speed while maintaining accuracy. Complete lessons 16-20. Final test.
Ready to Start Typing Faster?
Put these techniques into practice with our free typing test and structured lessons. Track your progress and watch your speed improve!